Women's health and Pain

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The Encyclopedia of Healing Foods by Michael Murray, N.D. and Joseph Pizzorno, N.D. See book keywords and concepts

Celery and cherries appear to be very effective in lowering uric acid levels and preventing attacks of gout. Celery contains the compound 3-n-butylpthalide, while cherries are a rich source of flavonoids. Both of these compounds are beneficial in gout via several mechanisms, including the ability to inhibit the formation of uric acid by inhibiting the enzyme xanthine oxidase. Other Recommendations The Pain of an acute attack of gout is absolutely excruciating. In this situation, heroic measures are clearly appropriate.

Prescription for Herbal Healing: An Easy-to-Use A-Z Reference to Hundreds of Common Disorders and Their Herbal Remedies Phyllis A. Balch, CNC See book keywords and concepts

In some cases, however, heart attacks do not produce Pain. In such "silent" attacks, there may be a sensation like that caused by indigestion, or there may not be any symptoms at all. Heart attacks can occur for several reasons, including arrhythmias, which are abnormal heart rhythms, and aneurysms, which are weak spots in blood vessels that may give way and disrupt blood flow. The vast majority of heart attacks, though, occur because an artery serving the heart becomes partially or completely blocked, generally by a blood clot.

Gallstone attacks frequently come after a large, fatty meal that follows a period of fasting. The Pain associated with gallstones, steady and severe, is located in the upper abdomen. The Pain may last from one to four hours and then be followed by a residual mild ache or soreness that may persist for a day or so. Nausea, vomiting, and chills frequently accompany gallstone attacks, and blood tests show elevated amounts of the liver pigment bilirubin, which may be reflected in dark urine and jaundice. Most people, though, have "silent stones," or stones causing no symptoms.

Attacks are excruciatingly painful and recurrent, but can occur without Pain. Symptoms include temporary slurring or loss of speech; distortion of sight, with "shooting stars" and kaleidoscopic color patterns; temporary paralysis; short-term memory loss; nausea; and tenderness in neck and scalp. Migraine may be heralded by an aura or prodrome, which may be experienced as a "curtain falling" over the field of vision or as a wave of inexplicable depression and emotional Pain. Migraines may last for a few hours or a few days, and may occur a few times a year or every day.

John's wort was used to treat attacks of insanity attributed to the work of evil spirits or the devil. EVIDENCE OF BENEFIT St. John's wort has antibacterial, antidepressant, antiinflammatory, antiviral, and pain-relieving properties. This herb's ability to fight depression also makes it useful in treating chronic fatigue syndrome and Lyme disease, and its ability to relieve Pain makes it helpful for treating vocal Pain and laryngitis associated with fibromyalgia. It can relieve headaches that occur with hay fever and stop the process within the brain that triggers nausea. Benefits of St.

Herbs can also help to prevent angina Pain and reduce the frequency of attacks. People with angina must be especially careful, however, to take note of all precautions regarding the use of herbs (and other medications) that can produce dangerous interactions with nitroglycerin, which is used to treat acute attacks. It is best to discuss the use of any herbs, herbal formulas, or other substances with your physician before adding them to your treatment program. BENEFICIAL HERBS herb form and dosage comments Arjuna Capsules. Take 500 mg 3 times daily. Reduces the frequency of attacks.

Steroids can be very effective in relieving Pain and preventing new attacks. On the other hand, they increase the risk of infection and have a host of other side effects. Newer medications include COX-2 inhibitors, such as celecoxib (Celebrex). These drugs target the inflammatory hormones responsible for RA symptoms. Ll S-adenosyl methionine (SAM-e), which is helpful for osteroarthritis Pain, is not effective for RA. Ll Some naturopathic physicians note that corn, wheat, beef, dairy products, and vegetables from the nightshade family (eggplant, peppers, potatoes, and tomatoes) aggravate RA.

The China Study: The Most Comprehensive Study of Nutrition Ever Conducted and the Startling Implications for Diet, Weight Loss and Long-term Health T. Colin Campbell, Ph.D. and Thomas M. Campbell II See book keywords and concepts

TYPE 1 DIABETES In the case of Type 1 diabetes, the immune system attacks the pancreas cells responsible for producing insulin. This devastating, incurable disease strikes children, creating a painful and difficult experience for young families. What most people don't know, though, is that there is strong evidence that this disease is linked to diet and, more specifically, to dairy products. The ability of cow's milk protein to initiate Type 1 diabetes12-14 is well documented.

The bypass operation, however, is targeted to the largest, most visible plaques, which may be responsible for chest Pain, but not for heart attacks. Angioplasty is a similar story. The procedure is expensive and carries significant risks. After identifying blockages in a coronary artery, a balloon is inserted into the artery and inflated. It pushes the plaque back against the vessel, thereby allowing more blood to flow. Roughly one out of sixteen patients will experience an "abrupt vessel closure" during the procedure, which can lead to death, heart attack or an emergency bypass operation.

A Dose of Sanity: Mind, Medicine, and Misdiagnosis Sydney Walker III, M.D. See book keywords and concepts

Max Ricketts, a former State Department official whose physicians prescribed benzodiazepines for anxiety attacks, describes in The Great Anxiety Escape how painful withdrawal from these drugs can be: Odors made me nauseated. My foot did not know where it would step when I tried to walk. The slightest sound was an explosion in my ears. Every nerve ending was screaming in Pain. Yet I could not even cry. The instinctive will to survive was overwhelmed by the fear of living in this unreal, uncontrollable hell ... I wanted to die, but I couldn't organize my thoughts enough to do it.

Best Choices From the People's Pharmacy Joe Graedon, M.S. and Teresa Graedon, Ph.D. See book keywords and concepts

One epidemiological study demonstrated no increased risk of heart attacks or other cardiovascular complications with these two Pain relievers when they were used for short periods of time.84 Another study, unfortunately, found that NSAIDs like ibuprofen increase the risk of a second heart attack.85 A Danish study of nearly 60,000 heart attack survivors showed that NSAIDs such as Celebrex, ibuprofen, and diclofenac were linked to an increased risk of heart attack death. This complication showed up within several weeks of starting on the Pain reliever.

In 2000, a large Vioxx study suggested that the Pain reliever could cause an increased risk of heart attacks and other vascular complications.74 Neither the FDA nor the manufacturer acted on those early warning flags. In one of the darkest hours in the history of American medicine, millions were allowed to continue taking COX-2 inhibitors until the fall of 2004. By then the handwriting was on the wall. First Vioxx and then Bextra were pulled off the market. In the interim, it is estimated that more than 100,000 people who had been taking COX-2 inhibitors suffered heart attacks and strokes.

This is an incredibly difficult call because of the new and alarming data linking these drugs to heart attacks. If forced to recommend something, we would probably fall back on naproxen. For one thing, it is a good deal. When prescribed generically the co-pay should ** Naproxen (Aleve) Naproxen is an NSAID available both OTC and by prescription (Anaprox, Naprelan, Naprosyn). It does a reasonable job of relieving arthritis Pain and the effect lasts a little longer than that of ibuprofen. Some researchers believe that it may be less likely to pose cardiovascular risks than other NSAIDs.

Despite our best efforts to alert the FDA to these problems, the feds have turned a deaf ear to our concerns, much as the agency ignored early reports that the popular Pain reliever Vioxx could cause heart attacks and strokes. My mother's doctors discovered that at age 74 her cholesterol had started to rise. They decided to put her on Lipitor. Since that time her life has changed in many ways. Before Lipitor she played golf on average two times a week. She has not played now in a year. She worked in her yard every day, now only once in a great while.

High levels of urate (uric acid) in the blood can cause gout attacks. The crystals precipitate around joints (especially in the big toe) and cause severe inflammation and excruciating Pain. The investigators reported in the Journal of Nutrition: "The decrease in plasma urate after cherry consumption supports the anti-gout reputation of cherries. The trend toward decreased plasma concentrations of the inflammatory markers CRP [C-reactive protein] and NO [nitric oxide] adds to the in vitro evidence that compounds in cherries may inhibit inflammatory pathways.

Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine, Revised Second Edition Michael T. Murray, N.D., Joseph E. Pizzorno, N.D. See book keywords and concepts

Breneman, author of Basics of Food Allergy, has used a successful therapeutic regime to prevent gallbladder attacks: allergy elimination diets. There is some support in the scientific literature for the theory that food allergies cause gallbladder Pain.13"16 A 1968 study revealed that 100 percent of a group of patients were free from symptoms while they were on a basic elimination diet (consisting of beef, rye, soybean, rice, cherry, peach, apricot, beet, and spinach).

Although the study found no difference in frequency of recurrence, duration, or disability, the chiropractic patients reported greater reduction in the Pain associated with the attacks.62 Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction Syndrome Some researchers and clinicians have claimed that a substantial portion of headaches diagnosed as classic or common migraine are in reality the symptoms of dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ)—the jaw joint.

The frequency of anginal attacks was reduced by fifty-three percent compared to a placebo group.20 In addition, there was a significant increase in treadmill exercise tolerance (time to onset of chest Pain and time to development of electrocardiogram abnormalities) during CoQ]0 treatment. The results of this study and others suggest that CoQ10 is a safe and effective treatment for angina pectoris. Carnitine, pantethine, and coenzyme Q1() should be considered in all heart disorders, not just angina (see also Heart Disease).

Prescription for Nutritional Healing, 4th Edition: A Practical A-to-Z Reference to Drug-Free Remedies Using Vitamins, Minerals, Herbs & Food Supplements Phyllis A. Balch, CNC See book keywords and concepts

Do not take phenylalanine if you are pregnant or suffer from panic attacks, diabetes, high blood pressure, or phenylketonuria (PKU). Exertion headache Generalized headache during or after physical exertion such as running or sexual intercourse, or passive exertion such as sneezing or coughing. Usually related to migraine or cluster headaches. About 10 percent are related to organic diseases such as tumors or blood vessel malformation. Take nutritional supplements; apply ice packs at the site of Pain. If the Pain goes away after exercising and exertion, see your physician.

Attacks of this type of glaucoma occur when the channels through which the eye's fluids drain suddenly become constricted or obstructed. This is usually due to narrowing or hardening of the exit channels from the eyes, and it results in extreme Pain, poor vision, and even blindness. It is considered a medical emergency. Early warning signs that a problem may be developing include eye Pain or discomfort mainly in the morning, blurred vision, seeing halos around lights, and inability of the pupils to adjust to a dark room.

Caution: Do not take this supplement if you are pregnant or nursing, or suffer from panic attacks, diabetes, high blood pressure, or PKU. Essential fatty acids As directed on label Protects against cell damage, (black currant seed 3 times daily, with meals. Helps to reduce Pain and oil, flaxseed oil, Kyolic- fatigue. EPA from Wakunaga, or primrose oil) Fibroplexfrom Metagenics As directed on label. A formula containing vitamins Bi and B§ plus magnesium, manganese, and malic acid. Fibro-Xfrom Olympian Labs As directed on label. To relieve Pain.

Uric acid is more likely to crystallize at lower temperatures, which may explain why roughly 90 percent of gout attacks affect cooler extremities like the big toe. Acute Pain is usually the first symptom. Then the affected joints become inflamed, almost infected-looking— red, swollen, hot, and extremely sensitive to the touch. Repeated attacks of gout over a long period of time can lead to joint damage. It should be noted that uric acid is not a fundamentally harmful substance, but a powerful antioxidant, almost as effective as vitamin C, that helps to protect cells from oxidative damage.

Cortisone is commonly prescribed for relief of acute attacks. However, this may put added strain on the adrenal glands, which are already under stress as a result of this painful disorder. Q For pseudogout, injections of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs and steroids directly into the joint may provide relief. Unfortunately, there is no thorough procedure to extract the calcium crystals that cause this condition. Q See also arthritis in Part Two and Pain control in Part Three. GRAVES' DISEASE See under hyperthyroidism.

Gallbladder attacks often occur in the evening and can take place sporadically. Abdominal Pain that occurs on a daily basis might be a problem unrelated to the gallbladder. A gallbladder attack may mimic a heart attack, with severe Pain in the chest area. Biliary dyskinesia is a condition in which all the symptoms of gallbladder disease are present, but there are no stones. Inflammation of the gallbladder requires immediate treatment. If left untreated, it can be life threatening.

Alternative Cures: The Most Effective Natural Home Remedies for 160 Health Problems Bill Gottlieb See book keywords and concepts

Gallstone attacks are another story. If you experience steady, severe Pain in your upper abdomen—especially on your right side under your ribs—that increases rapidly and lasts from 30 minutes to several hours, you need to see a doctor immediately. (Some people who have gallstone attacks have Pain between the shoulder blades or under the right shoulder, and there may be nausea or vomiting.) Gallstones that are big enough to cause symptoms may be dangerous if not treated by a doctor.

People in the midst of minor angina attacks may even be able to abort the attacks by taking an extra ounce of magnesium citrate, says Dr. Carrow. Talk to your doctor before using magnesium citrate for angina, however, and never use it as a substitute for any prescribed drug treatment. HOMEOPATHY: Cactus Stops Pain Fast This homeopathic remedy works well to stop the Pain of an angina attack, says Mark Stengler, N.D., a naturopathic physician in San Diego. But, he adds, homeopathic Cactus must be taken with—not instead of—any drug prescribed by a physician for treating angina.

And 45 percent of those folks will have repeated "back attacks," says Jerome F. McAndrews, D.C., a chiropractor in Claremore, Oklahoma, and national spokesperson for the American Chiropractic Association. If you're currently experiencing back Pain, and you're thinking about having surgery to solve the problem, a surgeon who has performed thousands of spine surgeries says, "Think again." "If you can recover from back Pain without surgery, you're much better off," says Stephen Hochschuler, M.D., an orthopedic surgeon in Piano, Texas.

Old country doctors would tell patients to eat black cherries to stop having gout attacks, and the remedy usually worked," he says. Auricular Therapy: Instant Natural Pain Relief for a Gout Attack Lend an ear if you want fast relief from gout. "I don't know of any noninvasive remedy that works as quickly or as well for the Pain of gout as ear acupuncture, or auricular therapy," says Jay M. Holder, M.D., D.C., Ph.D., a chiropractor and addiction specialist in Miami and Miami Beach. In Chinese medicine, a healthy person's life-energy, or chi, flows along subtle lines called meridians.

I tell all of my patients with angina to take very warm showers or baths when they're having minor attacks, and many of them get instant relief," he says. One caution, however: Be sure that the bathroom has a good exhaust fan, and turn it on before you get in the shower or tub. Steam can reduce the amount of oxygen in a room, making angina worse. If angina Pain persists for more than 5 to 10 minutes after trying this remedy, go to the nearest hospital immediately. While this treatment may temporarily relieve angina Pain, it should never take the place of prescribed medications.

You should also see a doctor if you have a second attack, recurrent attacks, or Pain that doesn't go away after the first attack. Alternative physicians suggest a number of nondrug methods for treating serious cases of shingles, particularly for recurrent episodes. Injections of vitamin Bl2 "get incredible results in my practice," says Mark Stengler, N.D., a naturopathic physician in San Diego. He also recommends acupuncture for Pain relief during an outbreak.

Anti-Aging Manual: The Encyclopedia of Natural Health Joseph E. Mario See book keywords and concepts

Use on a poultice of Cabbage, Watercress, or Kale for acute attacks. Chinese formulas: Coix and Ma Huang; Pueria/Kudzu; Clematis and Carthamus (neuralgiaand joint pain); Rehmannia and eight herbs (cold extremities in elders, back pain); Cinnamon and Atractylodes; Clematis and Stephania; TangKuei and Anemarrhena; PersicaandRbubarb. SEE in ChapterFive Herbal Healing Plants. T. W. Pomroy's muscular rheumatism recipe: Steep for 3 hours making 2 pints oftea with 1 oz.

Can complicate to meningitis, pancreatitis; in teens and in adults, attacks the ovaries with mastitis or testicles/ orchitis, can cause sterility. Impropertreatment of mumps may lead to laterpancreas inflammation. Hip-bath 97-110A F., followed by a warm wrap; keep warm. Echinacea gargles. Hot St. John's Wortoilonacloth locally; orwithClay covered with ahot water bottle; and Silica (12x, 1 tab. every 3 hours). Warm Arnica. Marigold, or Linseed compresses forpain. Mullein leaf poultice (forsevere pain). Aconitum (4x) and Belladonna (4x) alternated every half hour, or Henbane.

Thiazide Diuretics Hydrochlorothiazide, chlorthalidone, and diuril given forhigh blood pressure, cause Potassium, Magnesium and Calcium deficiencies, cardiac arrhythmia, high cholesterol, triglycerides, uric acid, and blood glucose; risking diabetes and/or heart attacks and death. Diuretics also flush body B1 Thiamine (risking heart failure). Artificial Estrogen Therapy With Premarin, Orthodienestrol cream, and Diethylstilbestrol causes slurred speech, appetite loss, tender breasts, ankle and leg swelling, chest and leg pains, and stroke. The fifth most prescribed drug in the U .S.

High-Density Lipoproteins (HDLs) under 60 count increases risk of heart attacks 300%. Constriction of the vagus nerve by a hiatal hernia episode can cause a pseudo-heart attack, but without the left arm Pain. Vitamin A, Vitamin C (spurs Prostaglandins) and Vitamin E lowered risk 50%. Take B3 Niacin (to clear arteries), B6, B-12, and Folic Acid; Vitamin F in anti-clotting Salmon fish oil; Copper, Zinc, Magnesium, Potassium, and Germanium. Carnitine and Taurine (for heart health); Lecithin; Coenzyme Q-10; and diluted Hydrogen Peroxide.

Colchicum root extract 2-3 times daily during attacks. 2 oz. Black Cohosh tincture, 1 oz. Colchicum wine (every 2-3 hours), and 1 gr. Potassium Iodide in a half cup warm water, dose 1 tsp. 3 times daily. Homeopathic: Nux Vomica; Aconite (if with fever); Arnica (for joint spasms); Pulsatilla (for Pain migrating joint to joint); Calcium (if affected by weather changes); Colocynth (ifleft with stiff limbs); Pulsatilla; Bryonia; orColchicum. SEE Blistering under Arthritis. •Body GROWTH Two Growth Factors were discovered in 1986 by Rita L.

Magnesium, B-Complex, and Vitamin C every other day during attacks; and B-Complex and C muscle shots on alternate days. The Mineral Salts Iron Phosphate (3x) twice daily; sublimated Sulfur (12x). Croton seed oil (30x) if with diarrhea. May Apple (for pain). Comfrey root, Marshmallow, Cranesbill, Echinacea, Goldenseal, and Wild Yam. Pinellia, Skullcap, Coptis, Ginseng, Jujube, Ginger, and Licorice. Bach Flowers: Crab Apple; andCerato. Color Therapy: Overall body exposure to Blue. PlaceaRedclothontheabdomennot over 10minutes3timesaday(lessens inflammation).

Colloidal Minerals and Trace Elements: How to Restore the Body's Natural Vitality Marie-France Muller, M.D., N.D., Ph.D. See book keywords and concepts

An essential trace element for the body, copper takes part in complex enzymatic reactions that protect our cells from the attacks of free radicals. It is known to have hundreds of functions. Copper possesses a remarkable anti-inflammatory ability, especially against joint or rheumatoid Pain. It plays a role in the synthesis of hemoglobin and the construction of bone and is an important constituent of elastic tissue. The first signs of its deficiency include gray hair, the appearance of wrinkles, varicose veins, and a loosening of the skin.

Complete Guide to Prescription and Nonprescription Drugs 2005 H. Winter Griffith, M.D. See book keywords and concepts

Time lapse before drug works: May require 6 months to prevent gout attacks. Don't take with: Any other medicine without consulting your doctor or pharmacist. 0«—H POSSIBLE ADVERSE REACTIONS ¦-1 OR SIDE EFFECTS SYMPTOMS WHAT TO DO Life-threatening: In case of overdose, see previous column. Common: None expected. Infrequent: • Painful or difficult urination, worsening gout. • Rash, nausea, vomiting, abdominal Pain, low back Pain. Rare: • Black, bloody or tarry stools. • Sore throat; fever; unusual bleeding or bruising; red, painful joints; blood in urine; fatigue or weakness.

Reduces number and severity of trigeminal neuralgia attacks. dosage & usage information How to take: • Tablet—Swallow with liquid or food to lessen stomach irritation. • Oral disintegrating tablets—Dissolves in the mouth. When to take: 3 or 4 times daily as directed. If you forget a dose: Take as soon as you remember up to 2 hours late. If more than 2 hours, wait for next scheduled dose (don't double this dose). What drug does: Blocks body's Pain and reflex messages to brain.

Tobacco: Possible angina attacks. BRAND NAMES Anucort Cortiment-40 Anusol-H.C. Dermolate Cort-Dome High Hemril-HC Potency Proctocort Corticaine Rectocort Cortiment-10 BASIC INFORMATION Habit forming? No Prescription needed? Yes Available as generic? Yes, for some Drug class: Anti-inflammatory, steroidal (rectal); anesthetic (rectal) In or around the rectum to relieve swelling, itching and Pain for hemorrhoids (piles) and other rectal conditions. Frequently used after hemorrhoid surgery. How to use: • Follow instructions in package.

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