• Why do we sneeze?
• Why do we sneeze more than once?
• What is expelled when you sneeze?
• What happens if you avoid sneezing?
• When is a sneeze dangerous?

You notice a tingle or itching in your nose, your eyes start to tear… They are infallible signs that a sneeze is coming. It is a natural reaction of our body that, although it can be annoying (especially if you sneeze repeatedly), is rarely a sign of a serious problem. But why do we sneeze? What is the use of sneezing? We’ll tell you.

WHY DO WE SNEEZE?

Sneezing is a mechanism that our body uses to clear the nose.

When a foreign particle (be it dirt, germs, pollen, smoke, or dust) enters the nostrils, it can irritate the nasal mucous membranes or cause tingling or itching.

When this happens, the delicate lining of the nose sends an electrical signal to our brain (to a different part than the one that controls breathing and is known as the center of the sneeze) to eliminate what bothers us.

The brain then signals our body to expel this foreign body by sneezing and sends signals to the parties involved in this act of contraction: the muscles of the chest, diaphragm, abdominals, vocal cords, and muscles in the back of the throat. And all this happens in just a few seconds.

Sneezing is, therefore, one of the first defenses of our body against foreign particles that enter our body through the nose.

But we don’t just sneeze when something gets into our nose. Allergies, the flu, or a common cold can cause a runny nose. In these cases, sneezing serves to eliminate accumulated mucus.

In other cases, sneezing can be caused by eating some foods or by a reaction to light, among other causes.

WHY DO WE SNEEZE MORE THAN ONCE?

It is common for a sneeze to be followed by others and, although it is not known exactly why it happens, it is probably because the first sneeze was not strong enough to expel the irritating particle.

Repeated sneezing, however, can also result from allergies or persistent nasal inflammation.

WHAT IS EXPELLED WHEN YOU SNEEZE?

When we sneeze, we expel air and droplets through the nose and mouth that mainly contain saliva and mucus, but can also have microbes that can spread diseases such as the flu.

These droplets can travel up to two meters away and settle on surfaces, tables, benches, doorknobs and other frequently touched items.

If you have a respiratory virus and someone touches surfaces or objects where the droplets you’ve expelled are and then touches your mouth, nose or eyes, you can get it. That is why it is so important to always cough covering your mouth, preferably with a handkerchief or with the fold of your elbow because this way you avoid getting your hands dirty and then spreading the microbes.

Repeated sneezing, however, can also result from allergies or persistent nasal inflammation.

WHAT IS EXPELLED WHEN YOU SNEEZE?

When we sneeze, we expel air and droplets through the nose and mouth that mainly contain saliva and mucus, but can also have microbes that can spread diseases such as the flu.

These droplets can travel up to two meters away and settle on surfaces, tables, benches, doorknobs and other frequently touched items.

If you have a respiratory virus and someone touches surfaces or objects where the droplets you’ve expelled are and then touches your mouth, nose or eyes, you can get it. That is why it is so important to always cough covering your mouth, preferably with a handkerchief or with the fold of your elbow because this way you avoid getting your hands dirty and then spreading the microbes.

WHEN IS A SNEEZE DANGEROUS?

In some cases, repeated sneezing can complicate pre-existing conditions or problems. For example, people with frequent nosebleeds may have more bleeding when sneezing or people with migraine may notice more discomfort if     they have frequent sneezing.

Although sneezing is rarely a sign of a serious problem, if you suddenly start sneezing frequently for no apparent reason, it’s wise to talk to your doctor to find the cause.

The post Why do we sneeze? appeared first on FreeLifeHealth.

• What is the pericardium and what is its function?
• Pericarditis: what it is and why it occurs
• Pericarditis: symptoms
• Pericarditis: treatment

Heart health is critical to overall good health. This fist-sized muscle is responsible for pumping blood around the body that carries oxygen and essential nutrients to carry out all the functions of the organism.

Occasionally, the lining of the heart can become inflamed, leading to pericarditis. We explain why it occurs, the symptoms of pericarditis and how is the treatment for this alteration.

WHAT IS THE PERICARDIUM AND WHAT IS ITS FUNCTION?

The heart is surrounded by a membrane called the pericardium, like a fluid-filled sac, which protects and holds the heart in place and separates it from neighboring organs and structures.

The pericardium consists of:

• The fibrous pericardium, a very tough and hard outer layer that holds the heart in place inside the chest, protects it from inflammation and acts as a barrier against infection. It also prevents the heart from stretching and filling with too much blood.
• The serous pericardium, a thinner, softer inner layer, made up of two membranes.

The pericardium consists of:

• The fibrous pericardium, a very tough and hard outer layer that holds the heart in place inside the chest, protects it from inflammation and acts as a barrier against infection. It also prevents the heart from stretching and filling with too much blood.
• The serous pericardium, a thinner, softer inner layer, made up of two membranes.

PERICARDITIS: SYMPTOMS

The most common symptom of pericarditis is continuous, stabbing pain in the center of the chest or in the area where the heart is located (i.e., slightly to the left), which often spreads to the neck and left shoulder. It may be more intense when lying on your back, coughing, swallowing, or breathing deeply, and improve when sitting or leaning forward. In some less frequent cases, there may be a squeezing pain that spreads to the left arm.

Other signs that can alert you to pericarditis are:

• Fever.
• Cough.
• Generalized tiredness or weakness.
• Swelling in the legs.
• Palpitations or rapid heart rate (tachycardia).
• Feeling short of breath when lying down.
• Abdominal swelling.

The doctor, when listening to the heart with a stethoscope, will hear a characteristic rubbing-like sound (known as pericardial rubbing) that occurs when the two layers of the pericardium rub against each other. Changes in the electrocardiogram will also be observed, and in some cases, inflammation of the pericardium may be seen on a chest x-ray (if there is pericardial effusion).

PERICARDITIS: TREATMENT

Treatment of pericarditis will depend on what caused it.

It is usually a mild condition that goes away on its own without treatment, although in some cases it may require the use of anti-inflammatories or, if it is due to a bacterial infection, antibiotics.

Be that as it may, rest is essential for recovery from pericarditis.

In some cases, as a result of inflammation, too much fluid accumulates between the two layers of the pericardium, something that can cause a pericardial effusion and end up affecting the proper functioning of the heart.

The fluid accumulated in the pericardium puts pressure on the heart and can affect its ability to pump blood. Too high pressure can lead to what’s known as cardiac tamponade, which requires emergency treatment because it can be life-threatening. In these cases, surgery may be necessary.

The post Pericarditis: symptoms, what it is and why it occurs appeared first on FreeLifeHealth.

• Menopause: symptoms
• Menopause: age to start preventing
• 7 Ways to Treat Menopausal Symptoms Naturally
• Books about menopause from natural medicine

Menopause is a normal phenomenon in a woman’s life, or at least it should be, but in many cases, it translates into a source of problems, both physical and psychological, since it not only implies an important hormonal change, but these hormones and the process that entails loss of fertility can generate in many women states of anxiety or depression.

Many things can be done to prevent or mitigate its symptoms, but it is important to keep in mind that one of the determining factors that aggravates the symptomatology is the so-called “Western lifestyle”.

If menopause is not contextualized within the framework of a society, it is difficult to understand the changes that occur in a woman and how to prevent the ailments that can manifest during this new journey, which can offer the opportunity to know herself better and live fully, freeing herself from old ties.

Menopause is a turbulent period in a woman’s life but not necessarily associated with illness.

From serenity and with a positive attitude, this life experience can be an opportunity to bring out a new woman, with renewed strength, because she no longer has menstrual losses. and more stable, since it is not subject to the hormonal variations of the menstrual cycle.

In addition, it is important to understand and assume that sexuality, desire and satisfaction do not disappear but change, because the arrival of maturity provides a greater knowledge of oneself.

In short, it is a crucial moment to assess what has been achieved, free ourselves from what can hinder the path and draw new vital horizons.

So that the path does not present obstacles, it is necessary to know this vital period in depth and learn to face it with the serenity it deserves. That is why we collect the issues that are most of concern.

MENOPAUSE: SYMPTOMS

It could be defined as the cessation of menstruation, which hormonally can be observed as a gradual reduction of hormone production by the ovaries and other glands of internal secretion such as the adrenals and fat cells or adipocytes.

This hormonal earthquake, which usually occurs between 45 and 55 years of age, can generate numerous symptoms such as:

• hot flashes and sweating,
• Cramps
• very irregular cycles,
• character changes (sometimes anxiety, depression),
• reduced sexual appetite,
• Palpitations
• nausea
• hair loss,
• dandruff
• brittle skin,
• vaginal dryness and the rest of the mucous membranes,
• muscle and joint pain, etc.

MENOPAUSE: AGE TO START PREVENTING

Prior to menopause, premenopause is manifested, which is characterized by the incidence of erratic, disordered and more or less frequent menstrual periods than usual, although this does not mean that any menstrual alteration in the 40s is due to premenopause.

In this initial period is when there is more time to prevent the symptoms of established menopause, such as hot flashes or osteoporosis, since dietary or phototherapeutic interventions aimed at regulating the hormonal process are much more effective.

Many people think that the prevention of problems derived from menopause has to start from the age of 30, but this is not the case because in this period you can already notice the errors accumulated throughout life, which can manifest themselves with the appearance of conditions such as osteoporosis, breast cancer or cardiovascular disorders.

Dietary education and awareness must start from adolescence, since eating disorders, increasingly frequent and often associated with psychological problems, often lead to irregular menstrual cycles, which promote hypoestrogenism and premature osteoporosis.

Cases of osteoporosis have been observed in women aged 20 who have made very unbalanced diets, as is the case of anorexic women, and competitive athletes, who follow excessively hyperproteic diets.

Just as lack of menstruation is one of the triggers of osteoporosis, it is known that the more menstrual cycles you have had throughout your fertile life, the greater the degree of osteoporosis.

7 WAYS TO TREAT MENOPAUSAL SYMPTOMS NATURALLY

For years, hormone therapy seemed to be the panacea for preventing menopausal symptoms.

However, every day there is more evidence that calls into question its suitability, because in the short, medium and long term it can lead to serious health problems.

These include a significant increase in deaths from cerebral and cardiac vascular accidents and a disproportionate incidence of gynecological cancers, especially breast cancer.

A few years ago in the United States, a macro-study on different menopausal treatments had to be suspended when it was found that the group of women who were receiving hormone replacement therapy were subject to an unethical risk.

Also, the list of problems induced by hormone therapy, in addition to the above, is extensive: it increases blood pressure and the risk of gallstones, depression, hypercholesterolemia, diabetes, strokes and migraines.

This type of therapy, therefore, should be restricted to very specific cases and delimited by medical pathology, and not focus on a simple relief of minor symptoms of menopause.

In contrast, it is advisable to adopt a series of habits and follow a natural treatment to prevent your own symptoms during menopause.

1. NATURAL REMEDIES TO PREVENT OSTEOPOROSIS

From a naturopathic perspective, the best prevention is to follow a balanced diet; exercise regularly, adapted to each age and physical condition; and moderate exposure to the sun’s rays because they favor the formation of vitamin D, which helps fix calcium in the bones and, therefore, improve bone mineral density.

The problem of osteoporosis in menopause has focused excessively on a question of calcium deficiency, and although its deficiency is the most notorious in a case of osteoporosis, there may be a broader mineral deficiency that includes magnesium, zinc, copper, boron or manganese.

Therefore, in case of suffering from advanced osteoporosis it may be convenient to take a more complete supplementation.

In parallel, it should be known that soft drinks and cola drinks should be taken with moderation to prevent the risk of osteoporosis due to its richness in phosphoric acid. Phosphorus behaves as a calcium antagonist, so the greater the amount of phosphorus in the plasma, the greater the loss of calcium.

A soft drink does not cause osteoporosis, but its habitual consumption over the years, does. That is why it is advisable to moderate this habit from childhood.

Coffee, alcohol, sugar and salt are also enemies of women in menopause: the first three stimulate the elimination of calcium and magnesium, and salt increases blood pressure and the risk of arteriosclerosis.

2. OVO-LACTO-VEGETARIAN DIET

Following a diet with a predominance of foods of plant origin or better yet if you opt for an ovo-lacto-vegetarian diet, helps prevent bone deterioration during menopause.

The ovo-lacto-vegetarian diet is the most appropriate for its moderate protein intake, since its excessive consumption can cause metabolic acidosis and, consequently, the reduction of bone mineral content.

Today nutrition has demonstrated the benefits of a vegetarian diet rich in whole grains, legumes, nuts and vegetables.

It should be remembered that countries that consume a lot of fats, especially saturated fats, are linked to an increase in breast cancer.

The vegetarian diet provides a remarkable amount of fiber that stimulates the excretion of estrogen through the feces.

These contain equal, a progestogen that acts as a kind of biological marker that indicates the risk of osteoporosis: the greater the equal in the feces, the lower the risk of suffering from this ailment.

The hypoestrogenism that occurs in menopause can be rebalanced by increasing the excretion of these hormones or prohormones. Fiber contributes to this, which absorbs them, as if it were a sponge, and expels them from the body.

Phytoestrogens, present mainly in soybeans, legumes, garlic, leeks or onions, prevent cardiovascular disease, and can bind to body estrogen receptors, reducing the action of female estrogens.

There are also some plants and foods especially rich in phytoestrogens: licorice, clover, thyme, turmeric, hops, vervain and yams, among others.

Foods of the cabbage family, such as cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, turnips, broccoli or Chinese cabbage, are good sources of calcium and have preventive elements against cancer, such as indole-3-carbinol, which can deactivate circulating estrogens reducing their harmful effect.

Lignans, found in fiber, have also been linked to a reduction in gynecologic cancer.

Likewise, carotenoids, such as alpha and beta-carotene in carrots or lycopene (abundant in tomato sauce), have antioxidant and preventive properties of cardiovascular diseases and cancer. Sweet potato, pumpkin or mango are other good sources of carotenoids.

3. SUPPLEMENT WITH CIDER VINEGAR

Dairy products are rich in calcium but also in proteins and fats that can hinder their absorption.

This was demonstrated in a study conducted in England that determined that osteoporosis levels were higher in regular consumers of meat and dairy products than in vegetarian women, who did not consume milk or animal products.

Apparently, it seems a paradox but the truth is that studies only assess the nutritional content of food, without taking into account the metabolic aspects and nutrient absorption.

In many cases, calcium is a mineral that is difficult to absorb, and this may be one of the main causes of the incidence of osteoporosis. It is important to take foods rich in calcium, but do not forget the magnesium of vegetables, which also benefits bone, circulation and muscle relaxation.

Another possible cause of deficiency is that the hydrochloric acid present in gastric secretion tends to reduce as we age and this hinders the absorption of nutrients and minerals such as calcium, even if enough foods rich in it are consumed (cereals, legumes and nuts, seaweed, nettles), emphasizing again that it does not feed what is eaten, but what is digested and metabolized.

To solve this problem of gastric secretion some authors recommend supplementing meals with cider vinegar because acetic acid can improve mineral absorption.

4. INCREASE YOUR INTAKE OF ESSENTIAL FATTY ACIDS

Essential fatty acids are essential to maintain a good hormonal level. There are foods quite rich in them, such as nuts and avocado. However, flaxseed grains, better known as laxatives, are an excellent food to provide linolenic acid.

Sunflower seeds and their oil (virgin, first cold pressed), olive oil, oily fish (best consumed with its spine, rich in calcium) or evening primrose or borage seeds (as a dietary supplement) are also rich in essential fatty acids, necessary to preserve the hormones that begin to deplete and to maintain, as far as possible, smooth and beautiful skin, at a time when wrinkles become noticeable.

5. DO MODERATE EXERCISE

Sedentary lifestyle is the main enemy of osteoporosis. Exercising from the age of 40 is an excellent measure but it is not always enough to increase bone mineral density.

It is important to note in this regard that at age 35 women have already established their bone mineral density. From that age the density decreases and the bones deteriorate. That is why if mineral density is not built from puberty, the loss from 35 increases excessively.

To understand this process, it is important to know that bone is a living tissue formed by osteoblasts and osteoclasts. The former help bone formation and the latter use bone minerals to offer them to the different processes of metabolism, and literally break it down.

While bone-forming osteoblasts respond to the hormone progesterone, of which they have numerous receptors, osteoclasts respond primarily to estradiol or estrogen, also having various receptors.

You should not fall into the error of thinking that estrogen is bad and that progesterone is good, because both processes are vital and necessary. In the balance between the construction and resorption or destruction of bone is where the metabolic problem of osteoporosis is located.

It is known that moderate exercise produces a stimulus of osteoblasts and literally makes them “hungry for calcium”, so the mechanisms are activated to increase their digestive absorption and accumulation in the bone, while sedentary lifestyle causes the opposite effect, stimulating osteoclasts.

But beware: excessive exercise also has a stimulating effect of osteoporosis, so it can be concluded that all excesses can be harmful.

• Walking or sunbathing between 15 and 20 minutes a day improves bone density, because the sun helps synthesize vitamin D, which is essential to strengthen bone.

6. CREAMS OR LUBRICANTS AGAINST VAGINAL DRYNESS

It is not true that the arrival of menopause should be related to a decrease in sexual appetite. However, aspects such as depression and, above all, vaginal dryness, can hinder the development of sexual relations.

Vaginal dryness can be solved using lubricating or dermatological oil creams (such as petroleum jelly, olive or sunflower oil). Another problem is to treat the intrinsic factor of dryness, as dryness depends on irreversible hormonal factors. Soy-based vaginal creams have proven effective in stimulating the tropism and development of the vaginal mucosa, when applied regularly and for periods of time longer than three months, if not permanently. But they don’t solve dryness.

The risk of pregnancy is another important aspect at this stage, as it only disappears when menstruation definitively ceases. It should not be forgotten that the number of unwanted pregnancies is very high at this stage, only surpassed by adolescent women. Therefore, sex in menopause must be safe.

7. SOCIALIZE AND STAY ACTIVE

One of the most important aspects of menopause is how women assume this physiological and vital stage, since it means the loss of fertility… and youth understood as such.

From a medical point of view, menopause can be associated with anxiety and depression, but this does not indicate much about certain processes such as lack of self-esteem, fear of losing the interest of the partner, panic of wrinkles or lack of smoothness of the skin.

These aspects are important for many women who do not feel understood by their partner or children in this period. It is not uncommon, then, that menopause is also a time of crying, insomnia, night fears and some hopelessness for life.

Social interaction, psychological support from a professional (if necessary) and maintaining an active life help especially during this period. A positive attitude is essential to face this stage. Menopause is not a disease but a new life experience and, as such, can mean personal enrichment.

On the other hand, learning to relax is essential, because low blood sugar and adrenaline levels sensitize the body and, consequently, exacerbate the symptoms of menopause.

The post Menopause: 7 Ways to Treat Symptoms Naturally appeared first on FreeLifeHealth.

• Manual lymphatic drainage: what it’s for
• How is manual lymphatic drainage performed at home?
• When is manual lymphatic drainage contraindicated?

Massages are a powerful tool to improve health: they help to relax, to relieve pain… One particular type of massage is manual lymphatic drainage (or lymphatic drainage massage), which helps stimulate the lymphatic system, a very important part of our body needed to process and eliminate waste products and toxins.

MANUAL LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE: WHAT IT IS AND WHAT IT IS FOR

Manual lymphatic drainage is a massage technique that, with gentle, slow and monotonous movements, activates lymph (a clear liquid that carries cells that help fight infections and other diseases) and favors the elimination of stagnant fluids in the lymphatic system.

The lymphatic system helps remove waste from our body and, to do so, uses the natural movements of smooth muscle tissue. However, in some cases (either from an operation, some illnesses or injuries) there may be a buildup of fluids in the lymphatic system and lymph nodes, which is known as lymphedema.

• Lymphedema usually occurs in the arms or legs, but can also occur in the abdomen, neck, or genitals. It often occurs as a result of cancer surgery that requires removal of lymph nodes, as in the case of women with breast cancer.

Manual lymphatic drainage has a sedative and relaxing effect and is also used to promote the exit of accumulated waste in the parts affected by cellulite (orange peel), to combat constipation, to improve the immune response or other situations such as:

• Rheumatoid arthritis, to reduce pain, swelling and stiffness in the joints.
• Fibromyalgia, a disease that causes chronic muscle and joint pain.
• Chronic venous insufficiency, which occurs when the veins in the legs do not work properly.
• Lipedema, a disorder of body fat distribution.

MANUAL LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE MASSAGE AT HOME

The ideal for manual lymphatic drainage to be really effective and cover your entire body is to put yourself in the hands of a specialist. However, you can also stimulate lymphatic drainage at home. Remember that the movements (unlike in traditional massages) should be slow and monotonous and that the goal is to gently push the surface of the skin, without using oils or creams.

Manual lymphatic drainage has a sedative and relaxing effect and is also used to promote the exit of accumulated waste in the parts affected by cellulite (orange peel), to combat constipation, to improve the immune response or other situations such as:

• Rheumatoid arthritis, to reduce pain, swelling and stiffness in the joints.
• Fibromyalgia, a disease that causes chronic muscle and joint pain.
• Chronic venous insufficiency, which occurs when the veins in the legs do not work properly.
• Lipedema, a disorder of body fat distribution.

MANUAL LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE MASSAGE AT HOME

The ideal for manual lymphatic drainage to be really effective and cover your entire body is to put yourself in the hands of a specialist. However, you can also stimulate lymphatic drainage at home. Remember that the movements (unlike in traditional massages) should be slow and monotonous and that the goal is to gently push the surface of the skin, without using oils or creams.

WHEN IS MANUAL LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE CONTRAINDICATED?

Manual lymphatic drainage is not advised in the following cases:

• If there is heart disease.
• In case of renal insufficiency.
• When there is an infection.
• In people with blood clots.
• In case of acute cellulite.

In the other situations, manual lymphatic drainage is not often causing adverse effects, but some people may experience headaches, nausea, and fatigue.

The post Manual lymphatic drainage: benefits and how to do it at home appeared first on FreeLifeHealth.

• Magnesium Citrate: What Is It
• Magnesium citrate: what it’s for
• Magnesium citrate: contraindications

Magnesium is the fourth most abundant mineral in our body, where it is stored primarily in bones and muscles. Our body cannot produce magnesium, so we must obtain it through food or supplements such as magnesium citrate.

MAGNESIUM CITRATE: WHAT IS IT

Magnesium is an essential mineral for humans: it helps the normal functioning of nerves and muscles, keeps the heartbeat constant, helps maintain strong bones and teeth, helps control blood glucose levels and participates in energy production, among other functions. We can also consume it in the form of magnesium supplements, which are available in several forms, one of which is magnesium citrate, a compound that combines magnesium and citric acid.

The recommended daily allowance of magnesium is between 400 and 420 milligrams in adult men and between 310 to 320 milligrams in women. We obtain them mainly from foods of plant origin such as:

• Green leafy vegetables such as Swiss chard or spinach.
• Nuts such as almonds, peanuts, hazelnuts, pistachios or walnuts.
• Legumes such as peas, chickpeas, white beans, soy or lentils.
• Cereals such as corn, brown rice.
• Fruits such as avocado and bananas.
• Dark chocolate.

If, for some reason, a nutritional supplement, such as magnesium citrate, is used, it is always advisable to consult with your doctor before taking it.

MAGNESIUM CITRATE: WHAT IT’S FOR

Although some people may not reach optimal magnesium levels and some studies indicate that much of the population does not reach them, the deficit is rare. However, it is more likely in older people and those who drink a lot of alcohol, have digestive problems with malabsorption, type 2 diabetes (especially if it is not controlled) and in high-performance athletes.

• However, we must bear in mind that with a few small changes in the diet and including the foods mentioned above we can reach the daily amounts easily.

Some of the symptoms of a magnesium deficiency that magnesium citrate can help fight are tiredness, anxiety, muscle aches, cramps, headaches, and trouble sleeping.

Magnesium citrate has a higher bioavailability than other types of magnesium supplements (such as magnesium oxide or magnesium sulfate) and may help increase magnesium levels.

Magnesium citrate is also often used to relieve constipation and cleanse the intestines thanks to its ability to increase water and fluids in the intestines. This occurs because magnesium and citric acid have atoms with opposite charges, which causes an osmotic effect on the digestive tract when consumed together. This means that water enters the intestines and is absorbed by the feces, helps lubricate the gastrointestinal tract and soften the stool, facilitating evacuation.

MAGNESIUM CITRATE: CONTRAINDICATIONS

It is advisable to take magnesium supplements always under the supervision of a health professional because they also have contraindications. For example, it is essential to ask your doctor before taking magnesium citrate in case of kidney disease, alterations in calcium levels, cardiac arrhythmias or if you are pregnant.

Magnesium citrate is contraindicated if you take certain types of antibiotics and other medications because it can interfere with how they work. It can also have a laxative effect and, especially if high doses are taken for a long period of time, can cause dehydration, diarrhea, abdominal pain, gas, nausea, weight loss, or weakness.

• In rare cases it can cause more serious side effects such as slow or irregular heartbeat, mood swings, persistent diarrhea, severe abdominal pain, bloody stools, or allergic reactions.

It should also be noted that excess magnesium is rare, but it can occur when too many supplements are taken. Symptoms of too much magnesium are nausea, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea.

The post Magnesium citrate: what it is for and what are its benefits and contraindications appeared first on FreeLifeHealth.

• Kidney functions
• Kidney failure: warning symptoms
• Kidney failure: how to prevent
• Make periodic checks
• Take vegetable proteins
• Control salt intake
• It’s very good to sweat

In Spain, approximately one in ten adults suffers from some degree of chronic kidney disease. Medicine has advanced a lot in the treatment of the most serious disorders of the kidney, which include dialysis, surgeries and transplants, but not so much importance has been given to prevention and daily care that favor its good condition.

Surely this is because there is a widespread idea that chronic renal failure is a rare and complex pathology; However, the reality is that in its early stages it is frequent and easy to treat. Therefore, it is important to recognize the symptoms of kidney failure and know the ways to prevent it.

KIDNEY FUNCTIONS

Do not forget that within the wonderful functioning of our body, we have organs specialized in maintaining the balance and function of life. Among them, the kidneys, capable of fulfilling their mission even if only 15% of one of them works. We are interested in taking good care of them, so that they perform all their functions as well as possible.

• Remove waste substances. The main function of the kidney is the elimination of waste substances through the production of urine. The kidneys filter 180 liters of blood daily, which is concentrated in only one or two liters of urine.
• Water regulation of the body. The kidneys regulate the volume of fluids in the body, the concentration of minerals in the blood, and the acid-base balance.
• Hormonal balance. They also secrete hormones, such as erythropoietin, which stimulates the bone marrow to produce red blood cells, and renin, which regulates blood pressure.
• Bone protection. In the kidney, vitamin D is transformed into the essential active form to maintain calcium in the bones.
• Regulates blood pressure. The kidney also secretes kallikrein, a protease of great importance in the blood clotting system and in the regulation of blood pressure.
• Glucose regulation. It is also capable of synthesizing glucose from amino acids in situations such as prolonged fasting.

KIDNEY FAILURE: WARNING SYMPTOMS

We remember the kidneys when grit or stones are formed, which can be very painful. Or when certain symptoms take us to the doctor and he tells us that the cause is in the kidneys.

Only a small proportion of patients progress to end-stage renal failure with its associated complications and need for transplantation. Early action can prevent loss of kidney function. That’s why it’s essential to watch for signs that your kidneys may be starting to fail:

• Renal disorders as a result of diabetes and hypertension are common.
• We can find an altered analysis, with increases in urea, creatinine, albumin or proteins in the urine.
• Stones or stones inside the kidneys or urinary tract can damage them. It is important to prevent their formation or eliminate them as soon as possible.
• Glomerulonephritis is a disease that initially affects the function of the renal glomeruli (the filters) and can be caused by infections or autoimmune disorders.
• Pyelonephritis is a bacterial infection that affects the kidney and urinary tract.
• Blows to the abdomen can cause kidney trauma.
• Swollen ankles, shortness of breath, tiredness, and nausea may be symptoms of early kidney failure or some other kidney disorder.

KIDNEY FAILURE: HOW TO PREVENT

Do not wait for these problems to appear to pay attention to the kidneys and take care of them. Its purifying function is essential for good health and well-being.

MAKE PERIODIC CHECKS

All people and especially those who have some risk factor (diabetes, hypertension, etc.) can take a series of measures to monitor their kidneys and promote their proper functioning for many years:

• Control blood pressure.
• Control cholesterol: LDL below 100 mg/dL and HDL above 40 mg/dL.
• Have at least one complete blood test a year.
• Regularly measure blood glucose and glycosylated heme-globin (HbA1c) levels.
• Avoid over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen, aspirin, acetaminophen, and naproxen, which can reduce blood flow to the kidneys as much as possible. You have to read the leaflets well and follow the recommendations.
• Use with caution or avoid, when possible, under medical supervision, insulin and metformin (an antidiabetic that is eliminated by the kidneys).
• Monitor potassium levels if diuretic medications such as spironolactone, amiloride, and eplerenone are taken.
• Avoid non-essential diagnostic tests with iodinated contrasts.
• Reduce or avoid statins, such as atorvastatin, lovastatin, and simvastatin, which are used in the treatment of high cholesterol.
• Other medications that can affect the kidney are antacids, antibiotics, and antivirals.

TAKE VEGETABLE PROTEINS

The vegetarian diet, without salt or with very little, with the right proteins and of vegetable origin, without heated fats, is the most indicated to take care of the kidneys.

Plant proteins may exert beneficial effects on blood pressure, proteinuria and glomerular filtration rate, as well as causing less damage to kidney tissue compared to animal proteins.

The National Kidney Foundation in the United States recommends the vegetarian diet to patients with chronic kidney disease. However, in severe cases of kidney failure, it is necessary to ensure that sufficient protein is consumed and adequate levels of potassium and phosphorus must be maintained. In these situations, you should also reduce potassium intake by not taking raw fruits or vegetable broths.

On the other hand, it is advisable to choose organic foods because they do not contain pesticides, toxic herbicides, or traces of antibiotics in the case of dairy products.

Drinking enough water, between one and two liters daily, is essential for the functioning of the kidney and prevent the formation of stones and other problems.

CONTROL SALT INTAKE

The usefulness of limiting salt in the diet is obvious. A high intake of sodium chloride not only increases blood pressure, but decreases longevity. To know if we are consuming it in excess, you can perform the Fantitus test, which is carried out in the laboratory to control the intake of sodium chloride (salt) in people with blood pressure disorders.

As a general rule, ultra-processed foods, which usually contain an excess of salt, can be avoided. To treat hypertension, it would be necessary to reduce it to fairly low levels, up to 3 g per day, when the average consumption is between 12 and 27 g.

IT’S VERY GOOD TO SWEAT

Therapies that cause sweating, such as the steam bath, hot bath and sauna, provide some of the most important therapeutic targets currently recognized in the treatment of kidney disorders and include decreased weight gain, reduced serum potassium levels and overall cardiovascular benefits.

Sweating is a kidney aid in healthy people, and in sick people it can be part of treatment. The sweat glands behave in part like the renal glomeruli and stimulating them could delay the start of dialysis treatment or supplement it.

The physical exercise and sweat that we cause when doing so is an aid in the care of the kidneys. Resistance training with weights, machines, or rubber bands in dialysis patients has been shown to increase muscle mass, reduce inflammation, and improve body composition and quality of life. Results improve over time, if activity is maintained.

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• Itchy throat: causes
• How to remove itchy throat with home remedies

Noticing a tingle or itching in the back of your throat can make you wonder if it’s a first symptom of a cold or flu. However, there are other possible causes.

Although it can be quite annoying, itchy throat is usually not a cause for concern and can usually be easily treated with natural home remedies.

ITCHY THROAT: CAUSES

You may get an itchy throat simply from talking for a long time (or too loudly) or because the environment is too dry, but it is also a common sign of various diseases and can sometimes be accompanied by other symptoms.

• Allergies to environmental factors (dust, pollen…), food or chemical substances (medicines, cosmetics, cleaning products…). There is also often congestion or runny nose, itchy eyes, or sneezing. If your itchy throat is accompanied by breathing problems, dizziness, nausea or hives you should seek help immediately because it could be a sign of anaphylaxis (a serious and life-threatening allergic reaction).
• Dehydration. When hydration is lacking, the mucous membranes dry out because our body sends water to the vital organs that need it most. Other signs that can alert you that you are becoming dehydrated are extreme thirst, headache, low blood pressure, dizziness, tiredness, dry skin or a white tongue.
• Respiratory infections (viral or bacterial) such as the flu, COVID-19 or common colds. Along with itchy throat, there may be sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, or pharyngitis (sore throat). Cases of sore throat that are more severe tend to be caused by bacteria, such as strep throat.
• Digestive diseases such as acid reflux and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which cause stomach acid to rise up the esophagus and irritate the throat. You’ll likely notice other symptoms such as heartburn, nausea, or chest pain.
• In rare cases, itchy throat can be a sign of throat cancer.

HOW TO REMOVE ITCHY THROAT WITH HOME REMEDIES

The main thing to eliminate itching is to tackle the cause that has caused it. That is, if it is because of dehydration, the key is to drink water, and if it is because of an allergy, you should avoid the substance that causes it.

Many causes of itchy throat resolve on their own in about a week, but there are also natural remedies that will help relieve it:

• Gargle salt water: Add a teaspoon of salt to a glass of warm water and gargle several times a day. They are usually more effective for itchy throats caused by a viral or bacterial infection, as salt helps reduce mucus buildup.
• Propolis hard candies are a very good remedy to have on hand because they help increase saliva production, which moisturizes the mucous membranes of the throat. In addition, propolis has balsamic and anti-infectious properties.
• Hot infusion of ginger with lemon and honey. In addition to helping to keep you hydrated (something very important to avoid itchy throat), ginger is useful to relieve flu processes with cough and congestion and is also indicated to mitigate the symptoms of allergies, such as rhinitis and itchy throat.
• Honey. In addition to taking, it in infusions, a tablespoon of honey alone covers, lubricates and moisturizes the throat and will help temporarily soothe the itching.
• Cold drinks. Although heat seems to be more effective in relieving itchy throats, some people do better with cold. If this is your case, you can drink a glass of ice water, an infusion of cold ginger or chew a few pieces of ice.

If the itchy throat does not resolve in a few days and goes further, consult your doctor.

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• What is halitosis
• Bad breath: causes of halitosis
• How to Remove Bad Breath
• Bad stomach breath: the diet to prevent it
• Purify for fresh breath
• How to Keep Your Breath Fresh

Bad breath or halitosis can affect anyone. It is estimated that more than half of the healthy population has it at some time of the day, especially when they wake up.

WHAT IS HALITOSIS

It is a frequent symptom that, in general, does not indicate anything serious, but that can hinder social relations and generate problems of acceptance and social integration. It has a high prevalence in the general population, without differences by socio-economic position.

It is estimated, in fact, that more than 50% of people suffer from it at some point in their lives.

It is common to present halitosis when waking up in the morning, because the structures of the mouth have been at rest for several hours and the production of saliva has been scarce. smelling bacteria.

BAD BREATH: CAUSES OF HALITOSIS

The main cause is the metabolic activity of the millions of bacteria – alive or dead – present in the oral cavity. Certain situations or bad habits can increase their incidence in a timely or continuous manner in the market there are many products for halitosis, such as scented chewing gum, rinses or devices to detect bad breath.

But the convenient thing is to go to the root: the bacteria that generate it. There are millions of them in the mouth, and some can live and multiply without oxygen. These bacteria, called anaerobes, feed on the proteins we consume and release sulfurous compounds (putrescine and cadaverine) that are what cause the bad smell, as they are expelled with exhaled air.

These bacteria hide in food debris trapped between the teeth and in the back of the tongue, where there is less saliva.

Factors that, therefore, favor halitosis are:

• Having slept little.
• Going many hours without eating.
• Deep caries that retain food in them.
• Periodontal or gum disease (gingivitis), sometimes unnoticed.
• Dirty tongue, which is as important to brush as teeth.
• Dentures and ill-fitting prostheses.
• Use of certain drugs (antidepressants or anxiolytics, diuretics, for the treatment of Parkinson’s …)
• Lack of saliva from taking antidepressant medication or other causes.
• Breathe only through the mouth.
• Other less frequent factors may be oral alterations or mucus in the throat: rhinitis, sinusitis or chronic tonsillitis.
• Certain pathologies, especially digestive, present this symptom: gastro-esophageal reflux, pyloric stenosis, ulcer, diabetes …

HOW TO REMOVE BAD BREATH

To say goodbye to bad breath you can pay more attention to some hygiene and eating habits.

Clean your teeth after each meal, including flossy interdental spaces. Don’t forget to brush the back of your tongue as well.

If you are away from home, without a brush or mouthwash, it will be enough to make energetic swishing with a little water after eating to get rid of food waste.

Also go to the dentist once a year to do an oral cleaning (removal of accumulated tartar).

It is appropriate to use oral antiseptics. Mouthwashes with chlorhexidine are usually recommended, but they have the disadvantage that if they are used more than 6 months, they alter the color of the tooth enamel. It is simpler and safer to rinse with water and a few drops of hydrogen peroxide.

Rinse yourself with water and a teaspoon of baking soda before bed. Throughout the day you can do it with infusion of rosemary or mint. They will protect you from halitosis.

Peppermint (Mentha piperita) is used against bad breath both in infusion and in the form of essential oil.

BAD STOMACH BREATH: THE DIET TO PREVENT IT

Avoid high protein diets, habits such as coffee, alcohol and tobacco, sausages and very spicy foods.

If you eat garlic, you can combine it with parsley to prevent bad breath. Chewing some fennel or anise seeds after meals can also neutralize halitosis.

Eat plenty of fresh salads rich in chlorophyll, with foods such as parsley, celery, mint or avocado. And no less important: drink enough water throughout the day.

PURIFY FOR FRESH BREATH

If oral hygiene is correct, halitosis can be a signal given to the body that there are toxins and fermented wastes in the intestine.

It is advisable to make a liver purifying cure with an abundance of green vegetables (asparagus, peppers, broccoli, celery, peas, parsley, spinach, chard, artichokes) and red fruits. We can take apple juice on an empty stomach or drink vegetable broth with ginger during the day, at least for a month.

But there is not always an apparent physical cause of halitosis. According to bio decoding, it can be produced by an emotional block: the person has great inner pain and feels anger against the people who hurt him.

He is ashamed of these thoughts and it is as if he dies inside, and this causes the bad smell to come out and drive people away from his surroundings. The solution is forgiveness, which heals all wounds.

HOW TO KEEP YOUR BREATH FRESH

Some plants will help you keep your breath fresh.

Green tea polyphenols are antibacterial. Suck cloves or cinnamon stick after meals. Mix 2 drops of peppermint or exotic basil essential oil with a tablespoon of olive oil and take it before eating.

Probiotics provide good bacteria such as L. acidophilus. You can drink water kefir in the mornings.

Certain supplements are also effective. Take 1 gram of chlorella seaweed daily with meals. It is detoxifying and antibacterial. Another alternative is 1 tablet of charcoal after the meal, absorbs intestinal waste.

Consume 1 ampoule daily of the trace element magnesium in the morning, interact with sulfur from bacteria.

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• Foot fungus: symptoms
• Fungi on the feet: types
• How are foot fungus spread?
• Foot fungus: treatments and natural remedies that help
• Foot fungus: how to avoid contagion and relieve symptoms

Fungal infection in the feet also called athlete’s foot or tinea podal occurs when dermatophyte fungi affect the skin or toenails causing mycosis.

We can all contract these fungi and the infection is contagious, so we must take special care to avoid getting the infection, recontaminating ourselves and infecting other people. In this article we tell you how to treat fungal infection or mycosis on the feet with the best natural remedies and tips for prevention.

FOOT FUNGUS: SYMPTOMS

The infection most often appears between the toes and on the sole of the foot. It manifests itself with:

• Redness
• High sensitivity
• Desquamation
• Itch
• Pain
• Stink

FUNGI ON THE FEET: TYPES

ATHLETE’S FOOT

When we talk about athlete’s foot it is not a sports injury, but a fungal infection (or mycosis) in the feet caused by dermatophyte fungi.

This fungal infection on the feet manifests itself in the area between the toes, being more viable on the sole of the foot. These fungi tend to appear and grow in areas with more heat and humidity.

Hence, the use of tight shoes or closed shoes used daily, together with perspiration or sweat of the feet, creates the environment conducive to the appearance and growth of athlete’s foot. These are the main symptoms of athlete’s foot:

• Itching. At first it is perceived as itching and stinging sensation or slight punctures.
• Redness. The area between the toes looks more red, sensitive, as if it had peeled, and hurts. Sometimes blisters can form. It is also characteristic of the bad smell not only of the affected area but of footwear, socks or stockings.
• The infection can progress to the soles, sides, backs, and toenails.
• Sometimes, fungal infection can be complicated by bacterial infections such as those caused by Streptococci or Staphylococci.

TOENAIL FUNGUS (PARONYCHIA)

When the skin surrounding the nails is damaged, inflamed and infected, we are talking about paronychia. It can appear on both fingernails and toenails.

Maybe you’ve ever had it on a finger: you’ve bitten a stepfather, or your hand has gone biting your nails and skins…. Either you have worn those beautiful and tight shoes without cutting your toenails well, or you have ingrown a nail and suddenly there you have found the problem: pain, swelling and fungal infection – and perhaps bacterial – even with pus.

The most characteristic symptoms of toenail fungus are similar to athlete’s foot:

• Redness and swelling around the nail.
• Stink.
• Intense sensitivity to contact.
• Sensation of palpitations or as slight punctures, in the affected area.

HOW ARE FOOT FUNGUS SPREAD?

These dermatophyte fungi grow most in moist and hot areas. There are: several routes of contagion:

Therefore, the contagion is through contaminated surfaces, footwear and clothing. It is not uncommon to have them when we wear closed shoes that do not perspire and sweat our feet.

• Through surfaces. Wet surfaces where other people walk are more likely to transmit this mycosis or athlete’s foot. For example, on the beach, in the pool, in the gym, in the spa, even at home if someone has them.
• By direct contact. This mycosis can also be transmitted by direct contact, both “skin to skin” and for example it can occur in some sports or games.
• By contact with contaminated footwear and clothing. It can be spread through contaminated socks, socks, towels, bath mats, or carpets.

FOOT FUNGUS: TREATMENTS AND NATURAL REMEDIES THAT HELP

To avoid fungus on the skin, hygiene is key, keeping the skin of the feet clean, dry and airy as much as possible. In addition, these natural remedies help fight fungus:

• Tea tree oil, or niaouli oil, can help us fight fungus.
• Talc (magnesium silicate powder) helps absorb moisture and can be applied to the skin as well as inside shoes and sneakers.
• Talcum powder with tea tree oils or rosemary oil, they will also leave us with a good smell.
• You can put rosemary or thyme inside your shoes and slippers.
• Baking soda sprinkled inside shoes and socks before use can also help eliminate fungus and odor.
• You can prepare a paste with baking soda and a little water and apply it on the affected areas of your feet, both between the toes and around the nails.
• Foot baths with diluted vinegar. Put a small glass of vinegar, about 100-150 ml, in 1 liter of water and put your feet inside for about 10 minutes. Then dry them very well and gently.
• Some people use a mixture of crushed garlic, olive oil and thyme for its antiseptic properties, which they apply as an ointment covering with gauze. Now then… The feet will not smell “like feet”, but they will smell like garlic… Something to consider. After a while you can wash your feet and always dry them very well and gently.

FOOT FUNGUS: HOW TO AVOID CONTAGION AND RELIEVE SYMPTOMS

The main recommendations would be:

• Avoid walking barefoot in suitable areas.
• Wash very well between your toes. Do not think that by stepping on the bath towel they are already very dry: dry one by one.
• Change your socks, stockings or leotards. Even if they look clean… If you wear socks to sleep: do not be the same as the ones you have worn during the day, or vice versa.
• Don’t use the same towel or mat as others.
• If you have fungus, don’t leave the wet bath mat on the floor.
• At the gym and pool, keep socks and towels you’ve used to dry your feet in a separate bag, and wash clothes at a high temperature if they admit it.
• Always avoid wearing the same shoes or sneakers. Maintain hygiene with your shoes. Beware of slippers to walk around the house. Take care of them and keep them clean and sanitized.
• Wash any slippers or flip-flops you wear to walk on the beach, pool, or spa.
• Choose the right footwear for your sports activity. Don’t let your feet “strain”.
• Choose preferably natural fabrics for footwear and socks. If you wear technical sportswear, check the washing mode.
• If you use templates, change them periodically.
• Don’t touch your feet and then other parts of your body. For example, the same fungi that contaminate your feet can contaminate the groin area, just by touching them. So, the hands, always well cleaned.
• Wear your toenails well cut, avoid side peaks and that they are too short.
• Extreme hygiene in pedicures. Don’t share utensils. Make sure utensils are disinfected if you go to a public place.

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• What functions does the liver perform?
• First symptoms of diseased liver
• Diseases that can affect the liver
• How to take care of the liver at the first symptoms that it is sick
• The Role of Emotions in Liver Health

Even before a liver disorder can be detected by medical tests, various signs can alert to dysfunction or overload of this organ. Popular expressions such as “lazy liver” relate empirically but often accurately that a good functioning of the liver results in well-being.

It is advisable to pay attention to the first symptoms of a diseased liver.

WHAT FUNCTIONS DOES THE LIVER PERFORM?

The main functions of the liver can be summarized in three words: production, destruction and detoxification.

Liver cells, thanks to the enzymes they contain, perform numerous chemical processes and store vital substances; among them, carbohydrates, protides and lipids.

Thus, the liver absorbs glucose from the blood and stores it in concentrated form – glycogen – so that when many hours are spent without eating or intense physical exercise is performed and energy is required, hepatocytes reconvert glycogen into glucose so that it passes into the blood.

The liver is also involved in the production and storage of vitamins A, B, D, E and K. It also synthesizes substances involved in blood clotting.

The eliminatory function is carried out from the excretion, through bile, of waste derived from the destruction of red blood cells, or toxic substances made by the tissues themselves: this is the case of ammonia manufactured by intestinal bacteria, which the liver transforms into urea and the kidneys are responsible for eliminating.

The liver also breaks down toxic substances absorbed by the intestine: herbicides, pesticides and heavy metals present in food, or any other foreign substance, such as most medicines. The liver transforms them into water-soluble complexes so that they can be eliminated as harmless byproducts, by bile (and from there to the intestine and bowel movements) or blood (urinary excretion through the kidney).

Therefore, a correct production (choleretic action) and release (cholagogue action) of bile ensures good digestion and adequate detoxification.

FIRST SYMPTOMS OF DISEASED LIVER

If you spot these symptoms, you may suspect something is wrong with your liver. Only with an accurate diagnosis can it be confirmed whether these symptoms really correspond to a liver disorder. In any case, it is advisable to pay attention to this symptomatology:

• feeling generally unwell,
• bitter taste in the mouth,
• nausea
• lack of appetite,
• fatigue
• Dizziness
• intestinal disorders (flatulence, diarrhea or constipation),
• anal pruritus,
• tendency to hives,
• certain headaches or migraines.

Blood tests (which measure the concentration of transaminases or liver enzymes) or imaging (ultrasound, CT, or MRI) may be used to diagnose liver disorders.

DISEASES THAT CAN AFFECT THE LIVER

• Hepatitis – A, B or C – is not necessarily viral in origin. There are bacterial, medicated or toxic.
  • They are considered acute when liver inflammation lasts less than six months, with symptoms such as malaise, nausea, vomiting, possible fever, joint pain, dark urine, discoloration of the stool or jaundice (yellowing of the skin and ocular conjunctiva).
  • If they last longer than six months, hepatitis can become chronic (it happens in 75% of hepatitis C); They do not have to be accompanied by symptoms or significant damage (in severe cases, cirrhosis or liver failure), but they leave the liver in depleted conditions.
• Cholestasis: reduction or interruption of the flow of bile.
• “Fatty liver” (steatosis): accumulation of lipids in liver cells.
• Cirrhosis: the liver becomes fibrous and hard.
• Tumors (benign or cancerous).
• Gallstones are deposits that form in the gallbladder or bile ducts, mainly with solidified cholesterol. They can be expelled into the intestine or remain in the ducts without obstructing them; If there is obstruction, cramping pain appears.

To prevent them, we cannot forget that all drug abuse can be harmful to the liver, especially from the age of 60. A drug as widespread as paracetamol, taken at high doses and for a long time, can even cause hepatitis.

Excess alcoholic beverages can also harmfully affect: fatty liver (steatosis), inflammation (alcoholic hepatitis) or scarring (cirrhosis). Alcohol is even more harmful in women, with less ability to metabolize it than men, especially when they are very young.

HOW TO TAKE CARE OF THE LIVER AT THE FIRST SYMPTOMS THAT IT IS SICK

To help the liver in its functions, let’s start with the diet.

The following recommendations should be followed:

• Do not abuse fats and avoid copious meals. Saturated fats of animal origin increase cholesterol (which favors gallstones) and promote fatty infiltration of the liver. Vegetable oils, such as olive oils, are desirable, if possible, virgins of first cold pressing.
• Eat plenty of fiber, since in addition to lowering cholesterol and relieving constipation (which makes the liver work more), it produces a choleretic effect (increases bile secretion).
• A diet rich in carbohydrates is convenient, preferring whole grain products to white flour, and honey and fructose to white sugar.
• The moderate vegetarian diet is optimal if there are liver problems.
  • Eggs, preferably hard, can be taken if well tolerated. Although they are rich in cholesterol, their yolk contains lecithin, beneficial for its phospholipids – which improve lipid metabolism – and choline – which prevents the accumulation of fat in the liver.
  • Of the dairy products the most convenient is yogurt. It provides predigested amino acids of high biological value, while reducing the production of toxic substances in the intestine that an altered liver cannot neutralize properly.
  • Vegetables contain folates, potassium and other beneficial minerals. Especially sulfur, a great liver purifier, contained in onions (with detoxifying sulfur essential oil) and radishes (which fluidize bile).
  • The fruit is always beneficial, especially as breakfast or dinner: apple, plum, cherry, strawberry, medlars …
• Avoid the habitual consumption of fried, frozen and precooked. Fresh products should be preferred, preferably organically grown, and steamed, boiled or grilled.
• It is advisable to reduce the intake of salt, as well as alcoholic beverages.
• It is important to drink enough water.
• Performing someday fasting or fruit-based (in particular, the cure of grapes) also helps to purify the liver.

MEDICINAL PLANTS TO HEAL THE LIVER

To prevent or treat liver disorders, phytotherapy uses plants that relieve the overload of the liver by helping it in its purification tasks or that favor its regeneration. Here are three of the most effective.

MILK THISTLE

It would seem a plant that seems to have arisen to help the liver. Research indicates that its components, particularly silymarin, have antioxidant properties (ten times more powerful than vitamin E), detoxifying and regenerating liver cells.

Patients with hepatitis, cirrhosis or fatty liver significantly improved their symptoms after taking the standardized milk thistle extract for two months. There seems to be no danger of toxicity even in longer treatments.

It is also used in case of poisoning by poisonous mushrooms or to prevent liver damage from taking certain medications, such as antiretrovirals in AIDS.

ARTICHOKE

Its active ingredients (organic acids, cynarin, cinnarizine…) create a synergy that helps regulate various liver functions, especially the formation of bile and detoxifying functions.

While it is true that the complete extract of the fresh plant is the most active presentation, you can take advantage of part of its properties by eating it regularly. The active components of the artichoke are found mainly in its leaves, but also in the flower heads that are eaten.

DANDELION

This plant decongests the liver and improves its functions, due to its qualities to produce and release bile.

You can take the fresh leaves in salad, or a decoction: boil 30 g of leaves or roots per liter of water 20 minutes and let it macerate 4 hours. You can drink a cup before meals.

As not only the liver is drained, but also other organs such as the kidney and intestines, it is a fairly complete organic clearance if it is followed several days (1-2 weeks).

THE ROLE OF EMOTIONS IN LIVER HEALTH

Just as the liver participates in the digestion of food, it also seems to do so in the “digestion” of certain emotions. A liver problem can also indicate that there are emotions that are difficult to digest, as if there were a “sour” or “acidic” remnant left in the psychic sphere.

Envy, greed, or quiet sorrows can affect you. But perhaps anger is the most damaging emotion. According to traditional Chinese medicine, anger steals energy from the liver when expressed outwards and makes it more prone to certain pathologies if it is kept inside.

Cultivating joie de vivre and harmony with the environment is a good way to support the liver.

This psychosomatic relationship, which begins to be considered by current medicine, was also taken into account by the ancient Greek medicine of the time of Hippocrates, which distinguished two “humors” related to the liver: the “yellow” bile, whose predominance gives rise to the bilious or “choleric” temperament, analogous to the pitta temperament of Ayurvedic medicine; and “black” bile, which favors the “melancholic” temperament.

Dr. John Diamond, one of the fathers of kinesiology, states that the liver meridian weakens with unhappiness and is strengthened by joy.

The post First symptoms of diseased liver (and how to care for it naturally) appeared first on FreeLifeHealth.