Native Remedies

Despite the fact that conventional treatments are effective, their use involves a fair amount of caution. This is mainly due to the side effects that accompany them. In cases where there is a pressing need for treatment, these side effects are often sidelined. The result is managing these side effects after they start appearing one by one.

One such side effect of using conventional medicine for treating depression pertains to sexual activity. Results of surveys conducted in this field do not match the claims made by most drug manufacturers. The fact remains that antidepressants inhibit sexual functioning.

Conventional depression treatment is based on the understanding that mood is controlled by brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. Antidepressants are used to maintain a certain level of these neurotransmitters.

Depression has been known to reduce the desire for sex. Antidepressants used for treating depression exacerbate the condition by decreasing libido levels. They can also result in erectile and orgasmic problems.

However, there are certain practices that can adopt that can help you in avoiding or reducing the sexual side effect.

The antidepressants that are prescribed are not selected at random. There is a logical sequence that is adopted after considering the condition of the patient. Sometimes a minor reduction in dose can help you reduce your depression while keeping you sexually active.

If the dosage cannot be dropped due to the specific condition, the exact timing of the dose can be scheduled right after the sexual activity. The idea is to indulge in sexual activity at a time when the level of the drug in the body is at its minimum.

There are certain drugs that can help you reverse the sexual side effect of these antidepressants. Drugs like sildenafil (Viagra) that treat erectile dysfunction can be used in some cases. You will, however need to check with your physician whether it is safe to be taking these drugs in conjunction with antidepressants.

Your doctor may allow you to take a drug holiday as some antidepressants can be discontinued for short periods of time without affecting the overall treatment. You can also discuss changing your drug. SSRIs have been known to have minimal or no effect on sexual desire or functioning.

The other option is to change the course of your treatment and adopt natural remedies for depression. These remedies are totally devoid of any side effects. Homeopathic remedies, herbs, meditation and exercise can reduce symptoms of depression to a great extent. Treating depression naturally can prove to be healthier option that will not interfere with your sex life at all.

References:

http://depression.about.com/od/depressionmedication1/tp/depressionmeds.htm

Obesity has never been on the agenda of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) as it has not been a social or medical problem in China. The ancient Chinese theory is based on the Yin-Yang philosophy and the Five Elements. According to TCM, weight gain or obesity is caused by unhealthy yin-yang interaction and disturbances in the balance of functions of the body organs. When you eat, the food is digested, the nutrients are absorbed and the waste material is excreted. An imbalance of these three functions causes retention of water, fat or food in the body, leading to weight gain.

Even though obesity control specifically has not been a major focus of TCM, there are many people who claim to have the formula for reducing weight naturally using Chinese obesity solutions.

However, with the ban on two herbal weight loss solutions manufactured in China and sold over the internet, there has been an extensive debate over the use of Chinese herbal remedies for weight loss. These two drugs were marketed as natural weight losssupplements but were actually found to contain a banned substance - N-nitroso-fenfluramine - associated with heart problems. The most commonly used Chinese herb, Ma Huang or ephedra has also been known to cause heart valve conditions and is banned by the FDA.

TCM does not advocate the use of any one single herb for treating obesity. Instead the numerous herbs that are part of Chinese weight loss medications are used in conjunction with other herbs to treat obesity. These combinations are based on individual metabolic rates and physical conditions.

Based on that theory, most Chinese herbs are focused on what experts of TCM term as 'dispelling pathogenic wind from the body surface'. The basic target is to increase metabolism and sweating, reduce swelling and eliminate food stagnation in the body. TCM, thus targets healthy functioning of the spleen, which is responsible for controlling transformation and movement of fluids by effectively managing muscles and flesh. Spleen is also the root for accumulation of phlegm. TCM believes that spleen can be damaged by excessive intake of fatty foods and lack of exercise.

One of the safest weight loss solutions that has a Chinese connection and does not need any consultation from an expert is Chinese herbal green tea. Chinese green tea is processed differently from other green teas, which gives it its typical flavor and taste. It speeds up the body's metabolism rate and burns calories faster. Green tea suppresses appetite and does not add to the calorie intake if taken without sugar.

It is important to keep in mind that there is no miracle weight loss cure in any therapy. Like all other therapies, TCM too insists upon an active lifestyle, exercise and diet regulation as natural cures for obesity. The idea is to purge the body by natural detoxification, easy bowel movements and restoring the balance between different organs involved in processing what we eat.

References:
http://weightloss.about.com/cs/products/a/aa091603a.htm
http://www.herb-doc.com/p4.htm
http://www.annecollins.com/obesity/obesity-chinese-treatment.htm
http://www.activeherb.com/weightloss/
http://www.americanchronicle.com/articles/viewArticle.asp?articleID=27786

Modern day life has resulted in an exponential increase in our exposure to chemicals, drugs and pollutants. Indiscriminate use of antibiotics, over dependence on alcohol and a fast lifestyle have all contributed to making out bodies unhealthy. The modern generation seems to have forgotten that to get to the top of the rat race we need a healthy mind coupled with a healthy body.

Our body's detoxification system comprises of the digestive and urinary systems, skin, lungs and liver. It is a perfect system in which the organs supplement and complement each other. There is, however, a limit to how much it can be stretched.

What happens is this. The frontline defense of the intestines is broken due to the large quantities of toxins that enter our body. This intake can happen through food, exposure to the environment, drinking water and other points of contact. The breakdown of the function of the intestines leads to a condition where the liver needs to work more than its capacity.

Over time, if the level of toxins is not reduced, the toxins start to leak out of the intestinal walls into the blood stream. And a situation like this causes diseases like bowel toxaemia (blood poisoning caused by bacterial toxic substances in the blood) and candidiasis (an infection caused by fungi). These diseases are characterized by symptoms like diabetes, chronic constipation, vaginal thrush, loss of libido and increase in blood cholesterol.

Though you may find many quick remedies being advertised, the process of detox treatment needs a holistic approach. A detox product can of help only if it is taken as a supplementary treatment and as part of an overall detox program.

Some natural detox treatments include fasting. Fasting is a natural process for cleaning the colon of toxic substances and this has been used in different societies across the world. For people who cannot fast, a fruit juice diet can also help in cleansing the colon.

Herbal detox remedies include herbal tablets for liver cleansing. Organic diets in conjunctions with herbal treatments help in getting rid of the yeast that cause candidiasis.

A detox treatment is much more than just popping in a detox product. It is almost a lifestyle that you need to lead to rid your body of all the impurities that have been accumulating over the years. It is also pertinent that you continue the process of a detox diet even after you have cleansed your system once. This is essential since the yeast and toxins can reappear due to contact with the environment.

In context of natural detox remedies, implies a regulated diet that is organic in nature. Some of the precautions that are recommended for an effective detox treatment would include the following:

* Preservatives - Avoid foods that contain preservatives. A close look at the label can tell you if the food contains preservative or not.
* Sugar - Avoid sugar consumption. If you cannot avoid it totally, limit the consumption.
* Fresh is the best - Certain food items require to be kept at low temperatures. Such products are best bought directly from the store rather than home delivered.
* Pure water - Stick to filtered or bottled water.
* Keep your household free of chemical pollutants.
* Learn about organic foods and try to use them as much as possible.
* Exercise - It is one of the best detox remedies as it helps to burn toxins in the body.
* Dentistry - Choose a holistic dentist who will ensure that no mercury amalgam is used.

Ritalin and attention deficit disorder

by Tess Thompson

With the incidence of attention deficit disorder increasing many people resort to various drugs the ADD treatment. The irony of the situation is that there is no fool-proof method of diagnosing ADD, and many a times there are normal children who have been diagnosed and stamped as ADD and being given child ADHD treatment while they may be normal children with maybe a slightly higher need for attention or slightly hyperactive.

With such children and those that genuinely suffer from an attention deficit disorder, most physicians use drugs like Ritalin and Prozac or Zoloft. These medicines only serve to reduce the symptoms of ADD for a certain period of time and have numerous side effects that are harmful in the short and the long term. The dangerous side effects of Ritalin that have been observed include possible seizures, suppression of growth, angina, blood pressure fluctuations, insomnia, loss of appetite, headaches and much more.

Studies have actually shown that ADD children whose treatment includes stimulant drugs like Ritalin are at a higher risk to get into vandalism, crime, alcoholism and abusive substances. To add to it, the fact that it does not seem to have been proved that drugs like Ritalin can actually cure ADD. Dr. Robert Mendelsohn once said "No one has ever been able to demonstrate that drugs such as Cylert and Ritalin® improve the academic performance of the children who take them.... The pupil is drugged to make life easier for his teacher, not to make it better and more productive for the child."

There are many lawsuits that have been filed against various parties like the American Psychiatric Association, CHADD and Ciba/Novartis Pharmaceuticals. The Ritalin manufacturers are being charged with conspiring to promote the diagnosis of ADD to promote their drug. And since the diagnosis is not totally objective, the case has been a complicated one.

Parents come under the pressure of school psychologists, medical practitioners, teachers and social workers to use these drugs without any detailed understanding of the process of diagnosing the condition, effects of the drugs, alternate therapies possible and the role of nutrition and diet.

It may be a good time to mention that parents should take things in their own hands and try and obtain a greater understanding of the problem before blindly administering drugs to alleviate symptoms. An herbal remedy for ADD, homeopathic treatment, diet control and nutrition, supplements are among the various options that you can consider and evaluate.

Natural Treatments For Anxiety - What Are My Options?

Anxiety attacks are manifested both mentally and physically. Thus, any natural treatments for anxiety have to take the needs of both the mind and body into account. Though you might be tempted to take prescription medications, you may want to look into alternative treatments.

If you are willing to spend some time and effort in treating your anxiety problem, the following anxiety relief tips can lead you in the right direction:

You Are What You Eat

Food has the ability to heal as well as nourish the body %uFFFD but natural treatments for anxiety don't include junk food! If you are suffering from anxiety attacks, you need to pay special attention to what you eat and avoid any items that are high in sugar, as they can lead to hyperactivity of the mind and body.

Many dieticians recommend limited intake of tea and coffee, which are part of a high-stress lifestyle. Stimulants should be avoided and this includes alcohol and chocolates as well!

Natural Treatments For Anxiety Include Exercise!

Sometimes anxiety attacks can happen when a person has worries about their health and overall fitness. The first thing to do to tackle this type anxiety is to start working towards good health. You can choose simple exercises such as walking on a regular basis or visiting a gym to get a personal trainer put together a program for you.

Taking up a sport is even better, as it provides you with a structured fitness program. A few days of regular exercise go a long way towards reducing your stress and anxiety levels.

Going Back In History%uFFFDPicking Up From Ancient Herbs

People in ancient civilizations seem to have a better understanding of how to cater to the well-being of their bodies and mind than we do.

Chinese and Indian traditions have some excellent natural treatments for anxiety which are prepared with the help of natural herbs, which can significantly reduce anxiety levels.

Aromatherapy, which has become a buzzword in natural remedy circles, has been around for centuries. Though the above anxiety relief tips sound simple, they take a good amount of will power to execute.

You can also include a multi-vitamin in your diet, which give you an extra boost of energy and help your body fight anxiety attacks.

Natural Solutions for Candida Albicans

Candida is a type of fungus (also called yeast), and is only one of a huge number of micro-organisms that exist in a human body. Normally, in a healthy body, Candida does not cause any problem. However, when the bio-balance is upset by factors such as unhealthy lifestyle, stress, excessive consumption of sugar and refined carbohydrate, chronic use of medications such as anti-biotics, cortisone, the pill, etc, then one finds an overgrowth of Candida in the body.

This can result in toxins being released into the bloodstream and can have many adverse effects on the functioning of the body. The immune system is unable to cope with the continuous release of toxins into the body, leading to dis-ease. Symptoms can include depression, mood swings, sinusitis, headaches, chronic fatigue, joint pain, stomach pain, indigestion, vaginal thrush and other fungal infections, skin rashes and eczema, etc.

Fortunately, Candida can be controlled by means of a balanced diet and by the elimination of certain foods in order to create an internal environment in which the yeast cannot survive. An initial detox diet will ensure, along with our Candidate formula will ensure that the levels of systemic Candida are significantly reduced. Thereafter, a maintenance program should be followed to keep Candida permanently at bay. Remember that Candida thrives on all sugars and refined carbohydrates and it is only by controlling your intake of these foods that you will beat systemic Candida. By following this diet, you will not only be able to control Candida levels in your body, but you will also be amazed at the amount of energy you have. Your skin will clear, your eyes will sparkle and you will even lose weight, despite the fact that you need never go hungry! Many people find that the Candida diet helps to clear joint and back pain, balance sugar levels and blood pressure, control cholesterol and relieve symptoms of depression - all without medication! This is because by reducing Candida overgrowth in the body, the immune system is able to function properly for the first time in years, allowing the body to heal itself!

Some Important Points

When following the Candida diet, you must make sure that your blood sugar levels are kept at an acceptable level by eating a substantial breakfast, lunch and supper. If you find that your energy level is low or you are experiencing dizziness while on the diet, it is probably due to low blood sugar. If this happens, simply add a mid-morning and mid afternoon snack. Please remember to drink lots of water in order to assist the elimination of toxins from your body. After a few days of detoxing, some of your symptoms may become worse and you could also experience headaches. This is quite normal and part of the detoxification process. It will improve after a few days and you will begin to feel healthier than you have felt for years! The Candida diet should be followed for 4 weeks, followed by a maintenance program as outlined.

You may not use sugar in any form - this includes sucrose (cane sugar), gluscose and fructose (fruit sugar). Lactose (milk sugar) to be kept to a minimum.

CANDIDA DIET

Foods Allowed

* Rye Vita (contains no yeast) Chicken, fish, meat (preferably-
* Rye Bread (no yeast or wheat) roasted/grilled or steamed)
* Rice cakes Sunflower/olive oil
* Rice, potato or rye flour 30ml lemon juice
* Corn or soya flour all veggies fresh or frozen - no tinned food
* Oats, maize (corn) meal, maltabella Avocado pears
* Dairy-milk 125ml per day Sweet / normal potatoes
* Plain Bulgarian yoghurt-125ml (no sugar!) Brown rice (no white rice)
* Low fat cottage cheese (no sugar!) Onions / garlic (unless sensitive)
* Soya / Rice milk Walnuts, cashews, hazel,
* Ricotta cheese pecan, coconut & macadamia
* Popcorn (homemade), plain chips (no MSG
* One fruit per day (no melons & Herbal teas eg Rooibos
* grapes) Make sure that fruit is not bruised. Lipton herbal teas
* Herbs Mineral water
* Tomatoes Artificial sweeteners eg. Advantage
* Humus

Foods allowed weekly (only one item of each)

* Wholewheat pasta 1 rice cake with carob or yogurt topping
* Wheatbix (sugar free), tomato paste
* (if no wheat allergy is prevalent)
* Soft goat cheeses e.g. Camembert, feta or goat

Foods allowed twice a week (only one item of each)

* Tinned tuna or Salmon in spring water Spices eg. curries, chillies (avoid if allergic)
* Foods to Avoid
* Anything containing yeast Pickled, smoked or processed meat,
* fish (including cold meats, & vacuum packed foods)
* Breads, marmite provita, Bovril etc
* White wheat flour or pastry flour,
* Gluten flour, flake cereals, semolina,
* Cream of wheat, pasta - white All vinegars and vinegar products (chutney,
* mayonnaise, salad dressing etc)
* Cheese, fermented or processed
* eg. Cheddars, feta from dairy or other
* hard cheeses All forms of alcohol
* Fruits - melons or grapes or any fruit
* and vegetables that shown any signs
* of bruising or mould Honey and other natural sweeteners
* Mushrooms Sugar and anything containing sugar
* Peanuts, peanut butter and pistachio All teas and coffees, except herbal teas
* All fruit juices (drink still mineral water instead)

Typical Meals would include (omit foods your are allergic to. East as much as you want)

BREAKFASTS

* 1 Fruit
* Porridge - Oats, maltabella (regular) or
* Mealie (corn) meal. Rice cereal (infant food)
* Rye vita / yeast free bread / rice cakes Avo / cottage cheese / egg / tomato
* Haddock

LUNCH / DINNERS

* Salads eg. potatoes, greens, rice, beans
* (include as many different ingredients as
* possible)
* Meat, fish, chicken (roasted / grilled / steamed)
* Lentils, pulses, legumes-soups, bakes, etc
* All vegetables-steamed and to include
* pumpkin, squash, butternut
* potato-baked, boiled or chips
* brown rice
* salads/stir fries/soups-chicken & veggie
* soup may be frozen & reheated
* yeast free bread/rye vita/rice cakes
* Avo / tomato / cottage cheese / tuna / cold
* chicken

Maintenance Program

After the initial four weeks detox, you can slowly re-introduce foods from the "Foods to avoid list", but, please remember to use them in moderation. The foods to continue avoiding, or using with caution are: sugars, white flour, fruit juices, dried fruits, prepared breakfast flakes including muesli, alcohol, vinegar and foods containing yeast.

Good luck and be well!

Michele Carelse is a Registered Clinical Psychologist and Licensed Counselor with more than 12 years experience. She runs her own private practice, as well as an online counseling and information service at http://www.nativeremedies.com/online_counseling.shtml