What is Glaucoma?
A leading cause of blindness in the United States, glaucoma causes damage to the eye's optic nerve (a bundle of fibers responsible for transmitting visual information from the retina to the brain).
There are several types of glaucoma. The two most common are primary open-angle glaucoma and acute angle-closure glaucoma.
What Causes Glaucoma?
Glaucoma typically occurs when fluid pressure inside the eyes slowly builds up and impairs the optic nerve.
In primary open-angle glaucoma, fluid drains from the eye too slowly, resulting in painless damage to the optic nerve and a very gradual loss of vision.
In acute angle-closure glaucoma, the iris partially blocks fluid drainage at the angle where the cornea and iris meet, causing an abrupt increase in eye pressure.
The following may increase your risk of glaucoma:
•Being over age 60
•Having a family history of glaucoma
•Diabetes
•High blood pressure
•Eye injuries
•Nearsightedness
African-Americans and Mexican-Americans are more likely to develop glaucoma than Caucasians.
Glaucoma Symptoms
Although primary open-angle glaucoma often has no symptoms, it leads to a very gradual loss of peripheral vision and - in advanced stages - tunnel vision.
Considered a medical emergency, acute angle-closure glaucoma causes sudden, severe eye pain that may be accompanied by the following:
•Reddening of the eye
•Stomach upset (including nausea and vomiting)
•Sudden visual disturbances, such as blurred vision or the presence of halos around lights
Treatment for Glaucoma
If you experience symptoms of acute angle-closure glaucoma, it's important to seek immediate medical attention. Treatment may include the use of medication and/or a laser procedure that promotes drainage of fluid from the eye.
Undergoing an eye exam every two years can increase your chances of detecting glaucoma in its early stages, delaying progression of the disease, and preserving your vision.
Standard treatments for glaucoma include eyedrops, oral medication, fluid-draining laser procedures, and conventional surgery that creates a new opening for fluid to leave the eye.
Alternative Treatment for Glaucoma
If not properly treated, glaucoma can result in total blindness. While alternative medicine alone can't treat glaucoma, certain remedies and therapies may help manage the disease. Consider talking with your eye doctor about using the following to help prevent or control glaucoma:
1) Ginkgo Biloba
This herb may boost blood flow to the optic nerve and, in turn, have a beneficial effect on glaucoma, according to a research review published in 2001. However, the review authors note that ginkgo biloba was not found to have a direct effect on eye pressure.
2) Vitamin C
Vitamin C - an antioxidant available in supplement form and also abundant in citrus, berries, tomatoes, and other fruits and vegetables - may help reduce eye pressure and benefit people with glaucoma, a 2001 study suggests.
3) Mind-Body Stress Management
Since stress is a risk factor for acute angle-closure glaucoma, including a stress-reducing practice such as tai chi, yoga, or meditation in your self-care may help protect your vision.
Friday, February 12, 2010
Hawthorn for Heart Health
A tree native to Europe, North America, and northern Asia, hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) produces berries that contain potent antioxidants. Extracts of the berries (as well as hawthorn leaves and flowers) have long been used in herbal medicine. In the United States, hawthorn products are typically marketed for their effects on heart health.
Uses for Hawthorn
Hawthorn is purported to help treat the following health problems:
•indigestion
•angina
•atherosclerosis
•congestive heart failure
•high blood pressure
Benefits of Hawthorn
The antioxidants in hawthorn are thought to boost heart health by strengthening blood vessels and stimulating blood flow.
Although hawthorn's health effects have yet to be extensively studied in the United States, research suggests that hawthorn extracts may be useful in the treatment and/or prevention of these cardiovascular problems:
1) Chronic Heart Failure
Hawthorn may help manage symptoms and improve physiologic outcomes when used as a supporting treatment for chronic heart failure, according to a 2008 research review of 14 studies (including a total of 855 chronic heart failure patients). The review's findings indicate that treatment with hawthorn may lead to improvement in exercise tolerance and in symptoms such as fatigue and shortness of breath.
2) High Blood Pressure
In a pilot study published in 2002, 38 mildly hypertensive volunteers were assigned to a daily supplement of 600 mg of magnesium, 500 mg of hawthorn extract, a combination of magnesium and hawthorn, or a placebo. After 10 weeks, the 19 subjects who took hawthorn extract showed a greater reduction in resting diastolic blood pressure than other study members. What's more, hawthorn-taking participants were found to have lower levels of anxiety.
In a more recent study, published in 2006, scientists discovered that hawthorn helped lower blood pressure among individuals taking prescription drugs to treat their type 2 diabetes.
3) Atherosclerosis
An animal study published in 2009 suggests that hawthorn may help reduce levels of blood fats (including cholesterol) and aid in the prevention of atherosclerosis (the buildup of fatty deposits in your arteries).
Should You Take Hawthorn?
Given the extremely serious nature of heart disease, it's crucial not to attempt to self-treat a heart condition with hawthorn (or any other herbal remedy). Make sure to consult your physician if you're considering the use of hawthorn in treatment of a heart problem.
Uses for Hawthorn
Hawthorn is purported to help treat the following health problems:
•indigestion
•angina
•atherosclerosis
•congestive heart failure
•high blood pressure
Benefits of Hawthorn
The antioxidants in hawthorn are thought to boost heart health by strengthening blood vessels and stimulating blood flow.
Although hawthorn's health effects have yet to be extensively studied in the United States, research suggests that hawthorn extracts may be useful in the treatment and/or prevention of these cardiovascular problems:
1) Chronic Heart Failure
Hawthorn may help manage symptoms and improve physiologic outcomes when used as a supporting treatment for chronic heart failure, according to a 2008 research review of 14 studies (including a total of 855 chronic heart failure patients). The review's findings indicate that treatment with hawthorn may lead to improvement in exercise tolerance and in symptoms such as fatigue and shortness of breath.
2) High Blood Pressure
In a pilot study published in 2002, 38 mildly hypertensive volunteers were assigned to a daily supplement of 600 mg of magnesium, 500 mg of hawthorn extract, a combination of magnesium and hawthorn, or a placebo. After 10 weeks, the 19 subjects who took hawthorn extract showed a greater reduction in resting diastolic blood pressure than other study members. What's more, hawthorn-taking participants were found to have lower levels of anxiety.
In a more recent study, published in 2006, scientists discovered that hawthorn helped lower blood pressure among individuals taking prescription drugs to treat their type 2 diabetes.
3) Atherosclerosis
An animal study published in 2009 suggests that hawthorn may help reduce levels of blood fats (including cholesterol) and aid in the prevention of atherosclerosis (the buildup of fatty deposits in your arteries).
Should You Take Hawthorn?
Given the extremely serious nature of heart disease, it's crucial not to attempt to self-treat a heart condition with hawthorn (or any other herbal remedy). Make sure to consult your physician if you're considering the use of hawthorn in treatment of a heart problem.
Umka for Colds
Umcka (Pelargonium sidoides) is a geranium plant native to South Africa. Long used in traditional African medicine, umcka (short for "umckaloabo") has recently become popular in other parts of the world, particularly in treatment of respiratory problems.
Uses for Umcka
Umcka is typically used to treat these respiratory issues:
•the common cold
•sore throat
•bronchitis
•sinusitis
Benefits of Umcka
To date, few studies have explored umcka's efficacy in treatment of health problems. Existing research suggests that umcka may help manage the following conditions:
1) Rhinosinusitis
For a study published in 2009, researchers assigned 103 people with acute rhinosinusitis to take either an extract of umcka root or a placebo for a maximum of 22 days. (Usually caused by a viral or bacterial infection, acute rhinosinusitis is marked by inflammation of the mucosa of the nasal passages and at least one of the paranasal sinuses.) Study results showed that umcka was more effective than placebo in treatment of the condition.
In a research review published the previous year, scientists concluded that doubt exists as to whether umcka is effective in alleviating symptoms of acute rhinosinusitis.
2) Bronchitis
Umcka appears to be more effective than placebo for patients with acute bronchitis, according to a systematic review and meta-analysis published in 2008. Researchers sized up four placebo-controlled clinical trials, finding that umcka significantly reduced bronchitis symptoms by day 7 of treatment.
3) The Common Cold
A 2007 study indicates that umcka may decrease the severity of cold symptoms and shorten the cold's duration. Focusing on 103 adults with cold symptoms, researchers found that 78.8 percent of those who took umcka were clinically cured after 10 days (compared to 31.4 percent assigned to a placebo).
How to Use Umcka
Available in syrup, liquid extract, and capsule form, umcka can be found in most health food stories and pharmacies that carry herbal products.
Umcka has been found to produce few adverse effects, but may trigger allergic reactions of gastrointestinal upset in some cases.
Uses for Umcka
Umcka is typically used to treat these respiratory issues:
•the common cold
•sore throat
•bronchitis
•sinusitis
Benefits of Umcka
To date, few studies have explored umcka's efficacy in treatment of health problems. Existing research suggests that umcka may help manage the following conditions:
1) Rhinosinusitis
For a study published in 2009, researchers assigned 103 people with acute rhinosinusitis to take either an extract of umcka root or a placebo for a maximum of 22 days. (Usually caused by a viral or bacterial infection, acute rhinosinusitis is marked by inflammation of the mucosa of the nasal passages and at least one of the paranasal sinuses.) Study results showed that umcka was more effective than placebo in treatment of the condition.
In a research review published the previous year, scientists concluded that doubt exists as to whether umcka is effective in alleviating symptoms of acute rhinosinusitis.
2) Bronchitis
Umcka appears to be more effective than placebo for patients with acute bronchitis, according to a systematic review and meta-analysis published in 2008. Researchers sized up four placebo-controlled clinical trials, finding that umcka significantly reduced bronchitis symptoms by day 7 of treatment.
3) The Common Cold
A 2007 study indicates that umcka may decrease the severity of cold symptoms and shorten the cold's duration. Focusing on 103 adults with cold symptoms, researchers found that 78.8 percent of those who took umcka were clinically cured after 10 days (compared to 31.4 percent assigned to a placebo).
How to Use Umcka
Available in syrup, liquid extract, and capsule form, umcka can be found in most health food stories and pharmacies that carry herbal products.
Umcka has been found to produce few adverse effects, but may trigger allergic reactions of gastrointestinal upset in some cases.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
The Benefits of Cranberry
Cranberries (Vaccinium macrocarpon) are the fruit of a plant native to North America. Often consumed whole, cranberries are also available in juice or supplement form.
Uses for Cranberry
The most common medicinal use of cranberry is to treat urinary tract infections. Cranberry is also used to manage or prevent the following:
•Gum disease
•Diarrhea
•Diabetes
•Stomach problems
•Atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries
Benefits of Cranberry
Although research on cranberry's health effects is limited, studies suggest that cranberry products may help treat the following:
1) Urinary Tract Infections
A number of studies have shown that regularly drinking cranberry juice (or taking cranberry supplements) may help prevent urinary tract infections. Research indicates that substances found in cranberry may prevent bacteria from clinging to cells along the walls of the urinary tract and causing infection.
If you think you have a urinary tract infection, contact your healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment. Infections should not be self-treated with cranberry products.
2) Peptic Ulcer Disease
A small study published in 2005 suggests that regularly drinking cranberry juice may prevent Helicobacter pylori infection, a major cause of peptic ulcers (a sore on the lining of the stomach or duodenum, the beginning of the small intestine). Infection with H. pylori (a type of bacteria) is also linked to the development of gastric cancer.
3) Gum Disease
Cranberry may help gum disease by preventing bacteria from sticking to teeth, according to a 2004 study. To help reduce your risk of gum disease (a condition that may be linked to heart disease), drink about four ounces a day of a cranberry juice that does not contain added sugar.
Uses for Cranberry
The most common medicinal use of cranberry is to treat urinary tract infections. Cranberry is also used to manage or prevent the following:
•Gum disease
•Diarrhea
•Diabetes
•Stomach problems
•Atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries
Benefits of Cranberry
Although research on cranberry's health effects is limited, studies suggest that cranberry products may help treat the following:
1) Urinary Tract Infections
A number of studies have shown that regularly drinking cranberry juice (or taking cranberry supplements) may help prevent urinary tract infections. Research indicates that substances found in cranberry may prevent bacteria from clinging to cells along the walls of the urinary tract and causing infection.
If you think you have a urinary tract infection, contact your healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment. Infections should not be self-treated with cranberry products.
2) Peptic Ulcer Disease
A small study published in 2005 suggests that regularly drinking cranberry juice may prevent Helicobacter pylori infection, a major cause of peptic ulcers (a sore on the lining of the stomach or duodenum, the beginning of the small intestine). Infection with H. pylori (a type of bacteria) is also linked to the development of gastric cancer.
3) Gum Disease
Cranberry may help gum disease by preventing bacteria from sticking to teeth, according to a 2004 study. To help reduce your risk of gum disease (a condition that may be linked to heart disease), drink about four ounces a day of a cranberry juice that does not contain added sugar.
Natural Ways to Cure an Enlarged Prostate
A male reproductive gland surrounding the urethra, the prostate is responsible for producing semen. Enlargement of the prostate gland (often referred to as benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH) occurs in many men as they get older.
Although it can lead to some complications involving the bladder, an enlarged prostate won't increase the risk of prostate cancer.
Symptoms of Enlarged Prostate
When tissues in the prostate enlarge, they may apply pressure to the urethra and partially block urine flow. This may trigger the following symptoms:
•difficulty starting urination
•weak urine stream
•inability to urinate
•dribbling at the end of urination
•incomplete emptying of the bladder
•incontinence
•frequent urination at nighttime
•pain with urination
Less than half of men with BPH show symptoms.
Treatment for Enlarged Prostate
Some men experience BPH-related complications such as bladder stones, bladder damage, urinary tract infections, and kidney damage. In these cases, doctors may pursue treatment with medication, surgery, and non-surgical therapies.
In other cases, however, self-care should suffice in treatment of BPH.
Home Remedies for Enlarged Prostate
Your doctor may suggest using the following self-care strategies to manage your BPH symptoms:
•urinating as soon as you get the urge
•avoiding alcohol and caffeine, especially at night
•avoiding drinking fluids within two hours of bedtime
•getting regular exercise
•decreasing your stress with the help of practices like yoga and meditation
You may also need to limit your use of over-the-counter cold and sinus medications containing decongestants or antihistamines, both of which may aggravate your symptoms. Certain natural remedies for cold and sinus problems may help reduce your need for such medications.
Although it can lead to some complications involving the bladder, an enlarged prostate won't increase the risk of prostate cancer.
Symptoms of Enlarged Prostate
When tissues in the prostate enlarge, they may apply pressure to the urethra and partially block urine flow. This may trigger the following symptoms:
•difficulty starting urination
•weak urine stream
•inability to urinate
•dribbling at the end of urination
•incomplete emptying of the bladder
•incontinence
•frequent urination at nighttime
•pain with urination
Less than half of men with BPH show symptoms.
Treatment for Enlarged Prostate
Some men experience BPH-related complications such as bladder stones, bladder damage, urinary tract infections, and kidney damage. In these cases, doctors may pursue treatment with medication, surgery, and non-surgical therapies.
In other cases, however, self-care should suffice in treatment of BPH.
Home Remedies for Enlarged Prostate
Your doctor may suggest using the following self-care strategies to manage your BPH symptoms:
•urinating as soon as you get the urge
•avoiding alcohol and caffeine, especially at night
•avoiding drinking fluids within two hours of bedtime
•getting regular exercise
•decreasing your stress with the help of practices like yoga and meditation
You may also need to limit your use of over-the-counter cold and sinus medications containing decongestants or antihistamines, both of which may aggravate your symptoms. Certain natural remedies for cold and sinus problems may help reduce your need for such medications.
Evening Primrose Oil
Evening primrose oil is sourced from Oenothera biennis, a plant native to North America. It contains gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), a fatty acid required by the body for growth and development.
Uses for Evening Primrose Oil
In herbal medicine, evening primrose oil is typically used to treat these health problems:
•eczema
•rheumatoid arthritis
•premenstrual syndrome
•menopausal symptoms
•diabetes
Benefits of Evening Primrose Oil
Research suggests that evening primrose oil may be of little value in the management of premenstrual syndrome or menopausal symptoms. However, other studies indicate that evening primrose oil may help with the following conditions:
1) Eczema
Evening primrose oil may help relieve the itching, crusting, redness, and swelling associated with atopic eczema, according to a meta-analysis published in 2006. Fatty acids are thought to play a role in these beneficial effects.
2) Rheumatoid Arthritis
To date, there's little research on the effectiveness of evening primrose oil in treating rheumatoid arthritis (an inflammatory condition that causes pain and swelling of the joints). However, a report published in 2001 suggests that evening primrose oil may have indirect anti-inflammatory actions and may help manage this autoimmune disease.
3) Breast Cancer
Preliminary research suggests that GLA may help destroy tumors without inducing damage to normal cells or causing harmful side effects. And in a small study published in 2000, researchers found that participants who took GLA supplements in addition to the breast cancer drug tamoxifen responded more quickly to breast cancer treatment than those who took tamoxifen alone.
Uses for Evening Primrose Oil
In herbal medicine, evening primrose oil is typically used to treat these health problems:
•eczema
•rheumatoid arthritis
•premenstrual syndrome
•menopausal symptoms
•diabetes
Benefits of Evening Primrose Oil
Research suggests that evening primrose oil may be of little value in the management of premenstrual syndrome or menopausal symptoms. However, other studies indicate that evening primrose oil may help with the following conditions:
1) Eczema
Evening primrose oil may help relieve the itching, crusting, redness, and swelling associated with atopic eczema, according to a meta-analysis published in 2006. Fatty acids are thought to play a role in these beneficial effects.
2) Rheumatoid Arthritis
To date, there's little research on the effectiveness of evening primrose oil in treating rheumatoid arthritis (an inflammatory condition that causes pain and swelling of the joints). However, a report published in 2001 suggests that evening primrose oil may have indirect anti-inflammatory actions and may help manage this autoimmune disease.
3) Breast Cancer
Preliminary research suggests that GLA may help destroy tumors without inducing damage to normal cells or causing harmful side effects. And in a small study published in 2000, researchers found that participants who took GLA supplements in addition to the breast cancer drug tamoxifen responded more quickly to breast cancer treatment than those who took tamoxifen alone.
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