Cures For Hair Loss In Women
Hair loss in females is becoming any more and more commonplace and frequent event in women these days with cures for hair loss in women. It is estimated that around 25 million United states women suffer FPB, or female male pattern hair loss - and they endure the emotionally disastrous consequences this delivers with it with cures for hair loss in women.
The truth is, many women drop their hair thanks elements often thought to be from their control, such as hormonal fluctuations, panic and anxiety, and genetic predisposition for female hairloss. There are ways you'll be able to bring these elements manageable and regrow missing hair, as well as avoid future hair loss and cures for hair loss in women.
What is actually even more disturbing is that a huge part of the menopause symptoms is women pattern baldness (FPB), and this will be caused by sharpened drops in oestrogen and an increase inside other "women hair-relentless" hormones for example androgens (male human hormones) and cures for hair loss in women.
Most women have no idea that there are really specific natural remedies which are geared towards a ladies body and goal different causes linked to hair loss as opposed to male formulas carry out. Think about it : it really can makes sense. Precisely why would you deal with a woman's hair thinning the same as a guys when the extremely causes of your receding or hair thinning are different because of biological differences relating to the sexes and cures for hair loss in women.
Since the best way to provide your current follicles with the important nourishment they need is thru the bloodstream * which means a verbal remedy is best. An effective women's hair loss health supplement should be used orally and assimilated quickly, to promote brand-new, healthy hair expansion and cures for hair loss in women.
The most common form of hair loss observed in females is androgenic-alopecia, or female design alopecia. The term Alopecia usually refers to complete or partial hair loss or hair loss. Usually with women, they are going to notice a steady thinning of their head of hair which becomes of your concern, especially when selected patches can become clearly thin with cures for hair loss in women.
Unlike adult men, where the structure of balding sometimes appears primarily at the forefront of your forehead (otherwise termed as receding hair range, or widow's optimum), the pattern in females for partial baldness is seen largely in the places on the top along with sides of the head along with cures for hair loss in women.
Human hormones play the majority of the function in hair loss in females. This is why most of the times when a female will most likely discover hair loss become an issue is just about times of junk flux, such as publish pregnancy and the menopause, or even much more extreme duress. Strain is an enormous influencer of junk balance, and when we're feeling overly stressed or perhaps anxious, this evolved in hormonal variances which can result in pores and skin problems, and hairloss, to name just a couple of things such as cures for hair loss in women.
Tips to Maintain your Hair You Have, Stop Further Hair Loss as well as Help to Shield Current Hair one particular.) Scalp Massage. Get hold of a good, stimulating remaining hair massage oil. The most popular is an organic scalp oil through Jason's Naturals. The idea can be found in pure food stores, otherwise you may be able to obtain it online. This specific scalp massage essential oil helps stimulate flow of the remaining hair and remove dead skin cells and deposits that will get in the way of healthful hair growth and the fitness of the follicles that actually are your gateway to healthful growth and upkeep with cures for hair loss in women.
2.) Every time an individual wash your hair, make sure to massage the remaining hair as well. Usually do not choose shampoos which are drying. Instead pick shampoos that are creamier and contain making clear ingredients. Look for the language "scalp wellbeing" or something to that particular effect on your own shampoo formula. What this means is it contains things that are clarifying on the follicle area along with won't leave trash or residue for the scalp along with cures for hair loss in women.
3.) Steer clear of wearing you head of hair up - whatsoever. Even barettes may have an effect on flowing hair health and progress. Any restrictions about that are any no-simply no. Tight ponytails specifically. Try to help you stay hair as totally free as possible in cures for hair loss in women.
several.) Also avoid digesting. This means dyes, straightening, perming, displaying, blowing dry too much, straight ironing, being different irons and some other high heat as well as harsh chemical ways of styling the hair. These types of will just intensify your condition by simply further weakening the interior structure and outdoors bonds of the head of hair shaft, as well as drying out the scalp along with irritating it additional, making the baldness more easily at the bottom with cures for hair loss in women.
5.) There are also a number of quality hair thickening shampoos and hair conditioners that are actually suitable for women with normally thin, limp head of hair in cures for hair loss in women. These types of merchandise is usually heavily prepared with amino acids as well as proteins, which are fantastic building blocks in order to healthy, strong and also thick hair. You will want to use them in your favor with cures for hair loss in women?
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Women, Teens On The Pill Risk Breast Cancer, Major Study Says
Oral contraception has been closely linked to a certain deadly type of breast cancer, a leading cancer journal stated recently, and the results may prove to challenge the breast cancer research community.
A study concerning the deadly "triple negative" breast cancer, involving more than 1500 women aged 20 – 45, found a "distinct etiology," or cause and effect, for women who used oral contraception for longer than a year, and an even stronger correlation for women who began using it before the age of 18.
The study was published in the April 2009 Cancer, Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention over a five-year period. The study's main author, Jessica Dolle, and other researchers at the Seattle-based Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, found that oral contraceptive use for a year or more "was associated with a 2.7-fold increased risk for triple-negative breast cancer." Triple negative breast cancer is a subtype of cancer associated with a high mortality rate.
Various Causes
"Specifically," the study said, "older age, family history of breast cancer, earlier menarche age [beginning of menstruation], induced abortion, and oral contraceptive use were associated with an increased risk for breast cancer."
"Our study has the strength of being population based and is the largest of its kind to evaluate breast cancer subtypes and etiologic [causation] differences in young women," the study said.
Other than skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among women in the United States, according to the NCI. Nearly 200,000 women were diagnosed in the U.S. last year with breast cancer.
In the light of recent studies such as the Dolle report, many experts believe women should be educated about the dangers of oral contraceptives and breast cancer.
Women in Phoenix, AZ, as well as Peoria, Glendale, Tempe, Mesa, Avondale and other cities can learn more about the dangers of oral contraceptives by contacting Life Choices Women's Clinics.
A study concerning the deadly "triple negative" breast cancer, involving more than 1500 women aged 20 – 45, found a "distinct etiology," or cause and effect, for women who used oral contraception for longer than a year, and an even stronger correlation for women who began using it before the age of 18.
The study was published in the April 2009 Cancer, Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention over a five-year period. The study's main author, Jessica Dolle, and other researchers at the Seattle-based Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, found that oral contraceptive use for a year or more "was associated with a 2.7-fold increased risk for triple-negative breast cancer." Triple negative breast cancer is a subtype of cancer associated with a high mortality rate.
Various Causes
"Specifically," the study said, "older age, family history of breast cancer, earlier menarche age [beginning of menstruation], induced abortion, and oral contraceptive use were associated with an increased risk for breast cancer."
"Our study has the strength of being population based and is the largest of its kind to evaluate breast cancer subtypes and etiologic [causation] differences in young women," the study said.
Other than skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among women in the United States, according to the NCI. Nearly 200,000 women were diagnosed in the U.S. last year with breast cancer.
In the light of recent studies such as the Dolle report, many experts believe women should be educated about the dangers of oral contraceptives and breast cancer.
Women in Phoenix, AZ, as well as Peoria, Glendale, Tempe, Mesa, Avondale and other cities can learn more about the dangers of oral contraceptives by contacting Life Choices Women's Clinics.
Sunday, January 9, 2011
How Not To Ejaculate Early During Sex - 2 Sensational Tips For Sex That Lasts
Probably the most embarrassing ordeal a man has to go through in the bedroom is his inability to control his orgasm. Premature ejaculation is a VERY real and frustrating problem that many guys have to deal with, and sex becomes a LOT less satisfying as a result... for both the man and his female partner!
But there is no need to let PE affect your intimate life. In fact, the sooner you fix it, the more erotically fulfilled your life is going to be (... and of course, she's going to look forward to a lot more sex with you to boot!).
So how do you fix premature ejaculation, enhance your stamina in between the sheets and gain more sexual confidence? Let's find out with these 2 quick and easy tips!
"Pubococcygeus Magic"
A lot of your ejaculatory control is dependent on how strong your PC (or pubococcygeus) muscles are. These are the muscles that control the flow of urine and semen. The next time you are in the washroom, try stopping your urine mid-stream. You will notice a specific muscle between your anus and testes that contracts.
Strong PC muscles enable you to overcome your involuntary urge to ejaculate until you are ready for a climax, or until your partner is sexually gratified... whichever comes later!
Most men have very weak PC muscles. But the great thing is, you can strengthen these muscles by performing simple PC contraction exercises in just a few minutes a day.
"Delayed Gratification"
Men and women are wired very differently when it comes to sex. Men usually go straight for intercourse; women prefer a slow, sensuous build up to penetrative sex. Many men come to an orgasm within 2 minutes; the majority of women require 10 to 15 minutes of arousal to reach one. And the main reason why so many men ejaculate quickly is because their penis glans is stimulated too fast during penetration, even when their ladies are not ready!
Sex is a lot more fulfilling if you first focus on your partner's needs. Refrain from engaging in intercourse until you know she is ready. Heighten her anticipation first, by pleasing her sensual spots, from head to toe before reaching her genitals (women LOVE to be pleased in this manner!).
In all honesty, a man's penis is the worst "equipment" to pleasure a woman. So use your tongue and your fingers instead. This will keep your arousal from boiling over too quickly, and will help you last a lot longer too!
But there is no need to let PE affect your intimate life. In fact, the sooner you fix it, the more erotically fulfilled your life is going to be (... and of course, she's going to look forward to a lot more sex with you to boot!).
So how do you fix premature ejaculation, enhance your stamina in between the sheets and gain more sexual confidence? Let's find out with these 2 quick and easy tips!
"Pubococcygeus Magic"
A lot of your ejaculatory control is dependent on how strong your PC (or pubococcygeus) muscles are. These are the muscles that control the flow of urine and semen. The next time you are in the washroom, try stopping your urine mid-stream. You will notice a specific muscle between your anus and testes that contracts.
Strong PC muscles enable you to overcome your involuntary urge to ejaculate until you are ready for a climax, or until your partner is sexually gratified... whichever comes later!
Most men have very weak PC muscles. But the great thing is, you can strengthen these muscles by performing simple PC contraction exercises in just a few minutes a day.
"Delayed Gratification"
Men and women are wired very differently when it comes to sex. Men usually go straight for intercourse; women prefer a slow, sensuous build up to penetrative sex. Many men come to an orgasm within 2 minutes; the majority of women require 10 to 15 minutes of arousal to reach one. And the main reason why so many men ejaculate quickly is because their penis glans is stimulated too fast during penetration, even when their ladies are not ready!
Sex is a lot more fulfilling if you first focus on your partner's needs. Refrain from engaging in intercourse until you know she is ready. Heighten her anticipation first, by pleasing her sensual spots, from head to toe before reaching her genitals (women LOVE to be pleased in this manner!).
In all honesty, a man's penis is the worst "equipment" to pleasure a woman. So use your tongue and your fingers instead. This will keep your arousal from boiling over too quickly, and will help you last a lot longer too!
How To Prevent Yourself From Ejaculating Early - 3 Easy Tips To Make You Go Longer During Sex
It is often said that a man's sexual stamina is a measure of his prowess in bed, and your ability to prevent yourself from ejaculating early is key to giving your woman sensational sex. But the sad truth is that the vast majority of men out there tend to struggle with premature ejaculation. The resulting frustration and distress often cause many guys to shy away from initiating sexual contact with their wives or partners, and ultimately affecting their romantic relationships.
What most men don't know is that premature ejaculation is actually one of the most easily treated sexual conditions, if they have the right information and advice on hand. Here are 3 practical tips that you can employ tonight to get back the freedom to go the distance...
1. Slow, Selfless Lovemaking: Women take far longer than men to warm up during sex. So shower her with plenty of passionate attention and exploration in the prelude to intercourse. Foreplay is the quintessential factor for women to enjoy sensational lovemaking, and even more important for a man to prevent himself from finishing too early during sex.
2. Go Easy On The Movements: The more thrusting you attempt during intercourse, the more likely you will experience an untimely ejaculation. An easy way to overcome this is to give your female partner MORE control. The less movement you make, the easier it becomes for you to manage your arousal. Getting her on top is a recommended position for guys who wish to go that extra mile during penetrative sex.
3. Having Open Communications: This is under-rated by many men. But one of the keys to overcoming premature ejaculation is to simply bring this issue out in the open with your partner. Interestingly many women misjudge PE as a case of their men finding them unattractive, and thus wanting to get things over and done with! By being truthful with her, you can alleviate a lot of sexual distress and frustration. This will give you a lot more confidence to deal with premature ejaculation.
What most men don't know is that premature ejaculation is actually one of the most easily treated sexual conditions, if they have the right information and advice on hand. Here are 3 practical tips that you can employ tonight to get back the freedom to go the distance...
1. Slow, Selfless Lovemaking: Women take far longer than men to warm up during sex. So shower her with plenty of passionate attention and exploration in the prelude to intercourse. Foreplay is the quintessential factor for women to enjoy sensational lovemaking, and even more important for a man to prevent himself from finishing too early during sex.
2. Go Easy On The Movements: The more thrusting you attempt during intercourse, the more likely you will experience an untimely ejaculation. An easy way to overcome this is to give your female partner MORE control. The less movement you make, the easier it becomes for you to manage your arousal. Getting her on top is a recommended position for guys who wish to go that extra mile during penetrative sex.
3. Having Open Communications: This is under-rated by many men. But one of the keys to overcoming premature ejaculation is to simply bring this issue out in the open with your partner. Interestingly many women misjudge PE as a case of their men finding them unattractive, and thus wanting to get things over and done with! By being truthful with her, you can alleviate a lot of sexual distress and frustration. This will give you a lot more confidence to deal with premature ejaculation.
Erectile -Dysfunction, Premature-Ejaculation
Erectile - Dysfunction, Premature-Ejaculation, Sexual-Weakness or Impotency, are common to the penis. Most men suffer the above mentioned sexual problems and not able to make lovproblems bothering men and women. It is the desire of all to indulge in sexual feelings or sexual acts. It is our natural state of mind to feel this way and naturally make love and produce other life form. Statistics recently showed most men think of sex every three minutes. This means a man is a sex animal, and like to have sex regularly or very frequently, but inability to have an erection is a problem for man to have his desire.
Certain biological conditions may affect nervous systems or blood flowe. All mentioned problems associates with or cause by stress and related to excessive smoking, anxiety, alcoholism, work fatigue and other medical conditions.
Some of the above problems make men and women find it difficult to relax and enjoy sex in naturally. These problems made men shoot quick, if you like my expression before women or their partner have time to have orgasm.
Some men and women even refused to have relationship, they avoid sex and marriage. Premature ejaculation, erectile dysfunction and all forms of impotency make people lose self esteem and avoid partners and become temporarily inactive in relationships and feel rejected in the family and friends circles.
Most will even want to have sex, but due to inability to get or maintain an erection sufficient to have satisfactory sex. Above conditions can occur at any age but commonly in men over 60 years old.
Some women also have the same medical conditions and have similar situation and suffer similar problems, also they suffer emotional trauma and remain depressed and will avoid sex and will not be able to have orgasm when making love, and they are always moody and avoid men's company.
Erectile Dysfunction can be a temporary situation created by a stressful working life, or it's simply your reaction to a less than adorable attitude that's lately been forced upon you by your lady. Or maybe it's just a lack of enough sleep, or worrying too much about money, or focusing on getting ahead with your career.
Certain biological conditions may affect nervous systems or blood flowe. All mentioned problems associates with or cause by stress and related to excessive smoking, anxiety, alcoholism, work fatigue and other medical conditions.
Some of the above problems make men and women find it difficult to relax and enjoy sex in naturally. These problems made men shoot quick, if you like my expression before women or their partner have time to have orgasm.
Some men and women even refused to have relationship, they avoid sex and marriage. Premature ejaculation, erectile dysfunction and all forms of impotency make people lose self esteem and avoid partners and become temporarily inactive in relationships and feel rejected in the family and friends circles.
Most will even want to have sex, but due to inability to get or maintain an erection sufficient to have satisfactory sex. Above conditions can occur at any age but commonly in men over 60 years old.
Some women also have the same medical conditions and have similar situation and suffer similar problems, also they suffer emotional trauma and remain depressed and will avoid sex and will not be able to have orgasm when making love, and they are always moody and avoid men's company.
Erectile Dysfunction can be a temporary situation created by a stressful working life, or it's simply your reaction to a less than adorable attitude that's lately been forced upon you by your lady. Or maybe it's just a lack of enough sleep, or worrying too much about money, or focusing on getting ahead with your career.
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Ayurvedic Cure for Diabetes or Madhumeha or Prameha
Ayurvedic Cure for Diabetes or Madhumeha or Prameha
I wrote about this disease, its prevention and cure some days back also and I got reponse from some readers that the details are not that much and they need more details to actually benefit from it. So I took it up this topic in much more details this time.
.
Diabetes Mellitus or Prameha or Madhumeha or Asrava has become the most dangerous killer disease across the globe. Though thousands of people are dying with Diabetes around the world every year, yet there is no discovery of the cure of this disease. The more unfortunate part is that there is very less awareness among people on the capabilities of Ayurveda, to not only prevent these disease (even for them who have history in family) but it can also be cured to a certain extent in more than one ways like frequency of taking insulin injections is reduced drastically or improving functioning of pancreas that generates insulin or reducing the requirement of insulin by body etc.
.
Diabetes Mellitus or Prameha or Madhumeha or Asrava has become the most dangerous killer disease across the globe. Though thousands of people are dying with Diabetes around the world every year, yet there is no discovery of the cure of this disease. The more unfortunate part is that there is very less awareness among people on the capabilities of Ayurveda, to not only prevent these disease (even for them who have history in family) but it can also be cured to a certain extent in more than one ways like frequency of taking insulin injections is reduced drastically or improving functioning of pancreas that generates insulin or reducing the requirement of insulin by body etc.
.
We all know that Diabetes Mellitus is the medical condition in which there is an accumulation of glucose in the blood and urine of the person. So, it is a metabolic disorder, which is caused due to malfunctioning of pancreas – which is responsible for production of an important hormone called insulin.
.
According to Ayurveda, Diabetes is divided in 4 major types (and total 21 types)
- Kapha type (again divided into 10 types)
- Pitta type (again divided into 6 types)
- Vata type (divided into 4 types)
- Juvenile diabetes for children
It is categorized by Ayurveda as “Maharoga” (major disease) because it affects most part of the body and every cell of the human physiology. The ancient Indian physicians described not only the sweetness of urine as one of the major symptoms but also the relationship of the disease with disturbance of the 5 sheaths of the body – Annamaya kosha (Food sheath), Pranamaya kosha (Energy sheath), Manomaya kosha (Mind Sheath), Vijnanamaya kosha (Intellectual Sheath) and Anandamaya kosha (Bliss Sheath).
.
Though Prameha (Diabetes) is a tridoshaja vyadhi, the relative predominance of any one dosha and dooshya enables its classification in to Vathaja, Pithaja and Kaphaja pramehas. These have further been classified in to twenty sub categories (as highlighted above) in all the three classics of Ayurveda. Kaphaja and Pittaja prameha have been sub classified in to ten types and six types respectively. These sixteen types have the physical characteristics of urine that is colour, density and volume depending up on the different gunas of Kapha and Pitta. Vataja prameha has been sub classified in to four types depending up on dhatu being excreted through urine.
.
The prodromal symptoms of this disease are:
- Profuse sweating
- Foul smell of the body
- Looseness the body
- Feeling of lethargy
- Heavy heart feeling
- Feel like something coated on eyes
- Excessive growth of nails and hair
- Affinity toward cold
- Dryness of throat and palate
- Sweet taste in mouth
- Burning sensation in palms and foot soles
- Sweetness in urine
After catching Diabetes, the main symptoms are:
- Increased thirst, increased urination, increased appetite are the initial signs
- Blurred vision, skin irritation or infection, weakness or loss of strength, and decreased healing capability
- Sugar in urine
If diabetes is not identified at the right time advanced symptoms like fluid and electrolyte imbalance, acidosis, coma are also seen.
.
Role of Ojus in Prameha: Ojus is the essence of life, an extract of the seven dhathus (Elements) represented as bala (strength) of the body. The ojus in a healthy person determines the physical, psychic, sensory motor functions of the body. This is a biochemical component of the body which is reddish-white in color and residing in heart & other vital organs of the body. If ojus is disturbed, degeneration will be fast and will result in decreased life span. In prameha, ojus is expunged from the body through all navadwaras (Nine Exits of human body) especially through urine & sweat.
.
Ojus gets imbalanced in prameha in two ways:
- Through obstruction in blood vessels (srothorodha)
- Degeneration of the body components is dhatu kshaya which can cause both cardiac & nervous system disorders - all this is ojakshaya meaning an imbalance in Ojus
Let us now talk about the various treatments suggested by Ayurveda that have the potential to reduce and sometimes remove Prameha or Diabetes.
..
Bitter Gourd: This can be utilized quite effectively in treatment of Diabetes as it contains a hypoglycemic or insulin-like principle, designated as plant-insulin, which has been found precious in lowering the blood and urine sugar levels. The best method is to take the juice of about four or five Karelas (bitter gourd) each morning on an empty stomach. Alternatively (or additionally), the seeds can be added to food in a powdered state. Diabetics can also use bitter gourd in the state of a decoction by boiling the pieces in water or in the form of dry powder.
.
Indian Gooseberry: Since it is high in vitamin C content, it is helpful in reducing blood sugar levels. Researches have shown that the anti-oxidants such as Vitamin C taken with other supplements has a great effect on diabetics, helping them lowering high sugar blood levels. It also helps reducing the risk of atherosclerosis too, that often occurs in diabetics. In this way the onset of heart stroke is easily delayed, and you may be well protected.
.
Blackberry: Jamun or black berry is quite useful in Diabetes treatment. Since pancreas malfunctioning is one of the characteristics of Diabetes and Jamun positively impact pancreas, it is an effective treatment of Diabetes. Its seeds contain a glucoside 'jamboline' which is supposed to have the power to check the pathological conversion of starch into sugar in cases of increased production of glucose. In addition of blackberry fruit, the tree bark is also useful for diabetic patients. The method of taking Jamun is to dry and powder its fruit seeds. One teaspoon of this powder should be mixed in one cup of milk or water or half a cup of curd, and taken two times daily. The internal bark of Jamun tree can also be dried and burnt after which it will be converted to white color ash. This ash must be pestled in mortar, strained and bottled. And then the diabetic patient should be given ten grams of this ash on an empty stomach with water in the morning, and twenty grams in the afternoon, and in the evening an hour after taking meals.
.
We will talk about some more herbal treatments for diabetes in my next post. Also, we will talk about the other effective treatments that Ayurveda suggests for this disease.
.
Cancer Herbs
Cancer Herbs
There are probably more varieties of cytotoxic herbs than there are chemotherapeutic drugs. Hartwell researched all references to cancer herbs spanning 5000 years and 2,500,000 herbs. Of these, he determined that at least 3000 herbs possess some anticancer properties. This is the same figure used by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Exactly how and why an herb addresses cancer differs enormously from plant to plant, but we may never learn as much as we need to know unless the companies performing the research can isolate an active ingredient that they can develop into a patentable drug. I personally oppose these efforts because in their whole forms and working in synergy with other herbs, the cytotoxic actions are often buffered by the protective actions. What this means in lay terms is that while a particular constituent of an herb, such as the alkaloids vincristine and vinblastine that are found in the Madagascar periwinkle, may have specific cytotoxic properties, the other hundred or two hundred constituents may have other supportive actions such as the capacity to lower blood sugar or detoxify the liver or protect organs from damage while the cancer cells are being killed. Every herbalist I know favors not just the use of whole herbs in their natural forms but usually also the synergy of several herbs in combination with each other.
What are these 3000 Herbs?
Of the 3000 herbs with proven anticancer actions, the mechanisms by which they achieve their effects varies significantly. Some arrest the fermentation process upon which the cancer cells depend for survival; some are directly toxic, more to the tumor than healthy tissue; some inhibit cell division; some affect the pH in such a way as to reduce the risks of oxidizing chemicals and the development of secondary tumors and/or metastasis.
Finding the combination that works best for a particular patient is not really a matter of trial and error. Starting with some basic understanding permits one to narrow the focus to a group of formulas likely to accomplish the desired tasks. Obviously, the better the information and greater the knowledge, the more likely it is that correct choices can be made.
I have been reading about anticancer herbs for almost 35 years. Except for a few herbs here and there, such as chaparral, I strongly believe that herbs like companions and that they work best in combination with other herbs. This immediately makes for a huge difference between an isolated constituent and a whole herb, not to mention a formula. Look at Nature. Chaparral grows in the desert where it has few companions, but red clover grows in meadows where there are many other herbs. My uncle wrote a little book at the end of his life. My favorite line was, "If you wish to understand Nature, do not disturb Her." His words have guided me in much of my work with Nature.
For instance, while one may find lists of anticancer herbs that go on and on and formulas that contain 25 or even 75 herbs, I am not too keen on some of these formulas. I prefer the ones that exhibit relationship to the cultural tradition and geographic region that has given us the herbal knowledge. By this, I mean that while pau d'arco may be a fine herb, I think it belongs in a Brazilian formula, not in combination with chaparral or bloodroot.
Many of the formulas re-created for Sacred Medicine Sanctuary are Native American. There are significant Cherokee influences in our tonics. We also carry the Ojibwa formula, called Essiac, and, of course, chaparral which is from the Southwest. In addition, we have created a specialty line of supportive products that address specific aspects of the healing process. Some of our formulas are available through the Sacred Medicine web site, but most are only distributed to practitioners.
Decisions
I know that deciding how to address cancer is very difficult. Patients and their friends and family are afraid of making a mistake that could cost valuable time or perhaps a life. I want to say that I recognize this dilemma, but I walk in my own sandals. I would offer my sandals to you for a day, but I suspect you would give them back after a few minutes or hours because they fit me better than they do you. I am comfortable with who I am as well as with what Sacred Medicine Sanctuary has to offer, but we make no claims, offer no guarantees, and promise only that we do our best to create responsible herbal products whose formulas are supported by historic healiing traditions, not science.
It is a point of honor for me that I offer the knowledge I have freely . . . without interferring with your decision making processes. I know, I could make it easier on others as well as myself by telling you to take a particular product, but you will never hear me say that. I want to facilitate healing and part of healing means forging a connection between what you feel and what you think. Ergo, if it feels right, it very likely is right. Follow your own inner guidance.
I will offer this. If you are totally confused yet believe the products we provide might be right for you, have your primary health care provider contact me. I will gladly discuss your case history with your doctor and brainstorm what might meet your needs. Please, however, have your practitioner make the contact.
If you are prompted to try our products, I will make it a little simpler by suggesting that you consider one or both of the two main tonics. Trifolium Compound [now called Sundance Elixir] is somewhat more detoxifying and stimulating to the eliminatory system. It has nine herbs that are known to have anticancer actions, but it also contains some cascara sagrada and is purging in higher dosages. Compound Syrup Scrophularia [renamed Seneca Elixir] is more subtle but seems to work better where there is more swelling, lymphatic congestion, and hard lumps. I feel it is also more effective where infection might be aggravating the cancer. Both of these tonics are historic re-creations of tonics or elixirs with a long history in the treatment of cancer.
Best cancer treatment
BEST CANCER TREATMENT
Scientists report that the chief causes of cancer are toxic pollutants in the environment. Cancer is a global concern. The World Health Organization is pointing the finger at environmental toxins as key contributors to cancer. There is more and more evidence that there are some herbs for cancer treatment.
HEALING CANCER NATURALLY
Healing cancer naturally is becoming very effective. The war against cancer is on the move and using herbs for cancer treatment becomes more and more popular. The human body is a work of genius and has the power to heal cancer naturally and using herbs for cancer treatment. It is so complex and so magnificent that scientists marvel at its incredible power. Just for a few examples: 600 muscles allow us to move, 970 miles of blood vessels carry six quarts of blood that complete a lap to and from the heart every two minutes , 10 million nerve endings connect the brain to the body etc. Our bodies just need water and the right foods to function properly.
HERBS FOR CANCER TREATMENT
Using herbs for cancer treatment can help the body to support its healing power. In order to achieve this challenge it needs to get the proper nutrients from what we eat. Crops are being sprayed with pesticides, herbicides and insecticides. Soils are being depleted of essential minerals necessary to keep body cells in good health. A recent study indicates that five to seven servings of green leafy vegetables daily will reduce cancer by 66 percent. But most Americans do not eat enough vegetables. Healing cancer naturally can be achieved with proper nutrition, exercise and herbs for cancer treatment.
We humans are destroying the earth's balance and diversity of life forms. Several companies are now marketing oxygen therapy equipment and oxygenated water. There are even oxygen bars where you can buy and inhale pure oxygen "cocktails". At this rate, a day may come when we must carry oxygen tanks on our backs or in our cars. In final analysis, we are destroying our own human existence. By chance, there are some avenues to ward off the onslaught of pollution and poisons, even to protect ourselves from cancer. Herbs for cancer treatment are available to help the body to heal cancer naturally as long as it has the right keys to neutralize the invading toxins.
Many different factors may cause cancer. Mainly, cancer is caused by the failure of some cells to undergo normal regulated growth due to DNA defects in specific target cells.
Many findings have shown that some herbs for cancer treatment can help our body to heal cancer naturally as well as other various diseases. Here's what we know about how to heal cancer naturally. Here what some herbs for cancer treatment can do to support and heal cancer naturally.
* To heal cancer naturally, your body needs: * To be in an oxygenated and alkaline state. * To be able to detoxify and eliminate toxins. * High levels of enzymes. * High antioxidant levels to destroy free radicals
Scientists report that the chief causes of cancer are toxic pollutants in the environment. Cancer is a global concern. The World Health Organization is pointing the finger at environmental toxins as key contributors to cancer. There is more and more evidence that there are some herbs for cancer treatment.
HEALING CANCER NATURALLY
Healing cancer naturally is becoming very effective. The war against cancer is on the move and using herbs for cancer treatment becomes more and more popular. The human body is a work of genius and has the power to heal cancer naturally and using herbs for cancer treatment. It is so complex and so magnificent that scientists marvel at its incredible power. Just for a few examples: 600 muscles allow us to move, 970 miles of blood vessels carry six quarts of blood that complete a lap to and from the heart every two minutes , 10 million nerve endings connect the brain to the body etc. Our bodies just need water and the right foods to function properly.
HERBS FOR CANCER TREATMENT
Using herbs for cancer treatment can help the body to support its healing power. In order to achieve this challenge it needs to get the proper nutrients from what we eat. Crops are being sprayed with pesticides, herbicides and insecticides. Soils are being depleted of essential minerals necessary to keep body cells in good health. A recent study indicates that five to seven servings of green leafy vegetables daily will reduce cancer by 66 percent. But most Americans do not eat enough vegetables. Healing cancer naturally can be achieved with proper nutrition, exercise and herbs for cancer treatment.
We humans are destroying the earth's balance and diversity of life forms. Several companies are now marketing oxygen therapy equipment and oxygenated water. There are even oxygen bars where you can buy and inhale pure oxygen "cocktails". At this rate, a day may come when we must carry oxygen tanks on our backs or in our cars. In final analysis, we are destroying our own human existence. By chance, there are some avenues to ward off the onslaught of pollution and poisons, even to protect ourselves from cancer. Herbs for cancer treatment are available to help the body to heal cancer naturally as long as it has the right keys to neutralize the invading toxins.
Many different factors may cause cancer. Mainly, cancer is caused by the failure of some cells to undergo normal regulated growth due to DNA defects in specific target cells.
Many findings have shown that some herbs for cancer treatment can help our body to heal cancer naturally as well as other various diseases. Here's what we know about how to heal cancer naturally. Here what some herbs for cancer treatment can do to support and heal cancer naturally.
* To heal cancer naturally, your body needs: * To be in an oxygenated and alkaline state. * To be able to detoxify and eliminate toxins. * High levels of enzymes. * High antioxidant levels to destroy free radicals
Bellirica Myrobalan (Triphala Rasayana) A great Herb
Bellirica Myrobalan (Triphala Rasayana) A great Herb.
"Don't have a mother to take care of you? As long as you take Triphala everyday, don't worry, everything will be fine." -- Indian saying
The word Triphala means "three fruits." Triphala is a very famous and traditional herbal combination used extensively by ayurvedic healers.
Triphala is made up of equal parts of Amalaki (Indian Gooseberry or Emblica officinalis), Haritaki (Indian Gallnut or Terminalia chebula), and Bibhitaki (Beleric Myrobalan or Terminalia bellerica).
Although Triphala is most commonly used to cleanse and tone the digestive tract, it is in reality an ayurvedic rasayana--a rejuvenative herbal blend that delivers benefits to the physiology as a whole. Ancient ayurvedic texts state that rasayanas promote overall health and longevity with their simultaneous cleansing and nourishing properties and ojas-enhancing qualities. Ojas is the most refined product of digestion, and according to ayurvedic healers, ojas promotes physical, mental, emotional, sensual and spiritual health.
Some specific benefits of Triphala
* Triphala promotes the health of the digestive tract. It helps cleanse, tone and nourish the digestive system, resulting in more complete and efficient digestion and assimilation of food. As digestion improves, less ama (digestive toxic matter) is created, and this leads to better health and an improved immune system.
* In normal doses, Triphala is mildly laxative in nature, and can be used as an internal cleanser for extended periods of time without fear of the harsh purging wrought by strong eliminative formulas. It is not habit forming. Despite its gentle action, Triphala cleanses deeply when used regularly--it helps purify the blood, muscle and fat tissue.
* Triphala is beneficial for the eyes and the skin. It helps keep the eyes healthy and bright and the skin clear. Triphala gives the skin a natural glow.
* Triphala purifies the urine and helps maintain the health and function of the urinary tract.
* Triphala helps cleanse and strengthen the liver.
* Because it helps cleanse the fat tissue, Triphala helps balance cholesterol levels and helps weight management.
* Triphala is balancing for all the three doshas.
* Triphala has antioxidant properties. Indian Gooseberry, one of its three components, is the most potent natural source of Vitamin C known to humanity.
Buy Triphala Rasayana
"Don't have a mother to take care of you? As long as you take Triphala everyday, don't worry, everything will be fine." -- Indian saying
The word Triphala means "three fruits." Triphala is a very famous and traditional herbal combination used extensively by ayurvedic healers.
Triphala is made up of equal parts of Amalaki (Indian Gooseberry or Emblica officinalis), Haritaki (Indian Gallnut or Terminalia chebula), and Bibhitaki (Beleric Myrobalan or Terminalia bellerica).
Although Triphala is most commonly used to cleanse and tone the digestive tract, it is in reality an ayurvedic rasayana--a rejuvenative herbal blend that delivers benefits to the physiology as a whole. Ancient ayurvedic texts state that rasayanas promote overall health and longevity with their simultaneous cleansing and nourishing properties and ojas-enhancing qualities. Ojas is the most refined product of digestion, and according to ayurvedic healers, ojas promotes physical, mental, emotional, sensual and spiritual health.
Some specific benefits of Triphala
* Triphala promotes the health of the digestive tract. It helps cleanse, tone and nourish the digestive system, resulting in more complete and efficient digestion and assimilation of food. As digestion improves, less ama (digestive toxic matter) is created, and this leads to better health and an improved immune system.
* In normal doses, Triphala is mildly laxative in nature, and can be used as an internal cleanser for extended periods of time without fear of the harsh purging wrought by strong eliminative formulas. It is not habit forming. Despite its gentle action, Triphala cleanses deeply when used regularly--it helps purify the blood, muscle and fat tissue.
* Triphala is beneficial for the eyes and the skin. It helps keep the eyes healthy and bright and the skin clear. Triphala gives the skin a natural glow.
* Triphala purifies the urine and helps maintain the health and function of the urinary tract.
* Triphala helps cleanse and strengthen the liver.
* Because it helps cleanse the fat tissue, Triphala helps balance cholesterol levels and helps weight management.
* Triphala is balancing for all the three doshas.
* Triphala has antioxidant properties. Indian Gooseberry, one of its three components, is the most potent natural source of Vitamin C known to humanity.
Buy Triphala Rasayana
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Ayurveda
Ayurveda (Sanskrit: आयुर्वेद; Āyurveda, the "the complete knowledge for long life") or ayurvedic medicine is a system of traditional medicine native to India[1] and practiced in other parts of the world as a form of alternative medicine.[2] In Sanskrit, the word ayurveda consists of the words āyus, meaning "longevity", and veda, meaning "related to knowledge" or "science".[1] Evolving throughout its history, ayurveda remains an influential system of medicine in South Asia.[3] The earliest literature on Indian medical practice appeared during the Vedic period in India.[2] The Suśruta Saṃhitā and the Charaka Saṃhitā were influential works on traditional medicine during this era.[2] Over the following centuries, ayurvedic practitioners developed a number of medicinal preparations and surgical procedures for the treatment of various ailments and diseases.[4]
In Western medicine, ayurveda is classified as a system of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) that is used to complement, rather than replace, the treatment regimen and relationship that exists between a patient and their existing physician.[5]
Ayurveda is grounded in a metaphysics of the "five great elements" (Devanāgarī: [महा] पञ्चभूत;Prithvi- earth, Aap-water, Tej-fire, Vaayu-air and Akash-ether)—all of which compose the Universe, including the human body.[1] Chyle or plasma (called rasa dhatu), blood (rakta dhatu), flesh (mamsa dhatu), fat (medha dhatu), bone (asthi dhatu), marrow (majja dhatu), and semen or female reproductive tissue (shukra dhatu) are held to be the seven primary constituent elements -- saptadhatu (Devanāgarī: सप्तधातु) of the body.[6] Ayurveda deals elaborately with measures of healthful living during the entire span of life and its various phases. Ayurveda stresses a balance of three elemental energies or humors: vata (air & space – "wind"), pitta (fire & water – "bile") and kapha (water & earth – "phlegm"). According to ayurveda, these three regulatory principles— doshas (literally that which deteriorates - Devanāgarī: त्रिदोष)—are important for health, because when they are in a more balanced state, the body will function to its fullest, and when imbalanced, the body will be affected negatively in certain ways. Ayurveda holds that each human possesses a unique combination of doshas. In ayurveda, the human body perceives attributes of experiences as 20 Guna (Devanāgarī: गुण, meaning qualities).[7] Surgery and surgical instruments are employed.[7] It is believed that building a healthy metabolic system, attaining good digestion, and proper excretion leads to vitality.[7] Ayurveda also focuses on exercise, yoga, meditation, and massage.[8] Thus, body, mind, and spirit/consciousness need to be addressed both individually and in unison for health to ensue.
The practice of Panchakarma (Devanāgarī: पंचकर्म) is believed to eliminate toxic elements from the body.[9]
Eight disciplines of ayurveda treatment, called ashtangas (Devanāgarī: अष्टांग), are given below:[10]
* Internal medicine (Kaaya-chikitsa)
* Paediatrics (Kaumarabhrtyam)
* Surgery (Shalya-chikitsa)
* Eye and ENT (Shalakya tantra)
* Demonic possession (Bhuta vidya): Bhuta vidya has been called psychiatry.[2]
* Toxicology (Agadatantram)
* Prevention diseases and improving immunity and rejuvenation (rasayana)
* Aphrodisiacs and improving health of progeny (Vajikaranam)
In Hindu mythology, the origin of ayurvedic medicine is attributed to the physician of the gods,
In Western medicine, ayurveda is classified as a system of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) that is used to complement, rather than replace, the treatment regimen and relationship that exists between a patient and their existing physician.[5]
Ayurveda is grounded in a metaphysics of the "five great elements" (Devanāgarī: [महा] पञ्चभूत;Prithvi- earth, Aap-water, Tej-fire, Vaayu-air and Akash-ether)—all of which compose the Universe, including the human body.[1] Chyle or plasma (called rasa dhatu), blood (rakta dhatu), flesh (mamsa dhatu), fat (medha dhatu), bone (asthi dhatu), marrow (majja dhatu), and semen or female reproductive tissue (shukra dhatu) are held to be the seven primary constituent elements -- saptadhatu (Devanāgarī: सप्तधातु) of the body.[6] Ayurveda deals elaborately with measures of healthful living during the entire span of life and its various phases. Ayurveda stresses a balance of three elemental energies or humors: vata (air & space – "wind"), pitta (fire & water – "bile") and kapha (water & earth – "phlegm"). According to ayurveda, these three regulatory principles— doshas (literally that which deteriorates - Devanāgarī: त्रिदोष)—are important for health, because when they are in a more balanced state, the body will function to its fullest, and when imbalanced, the body will be affected negatively in certain ways. Ayurveda holds that each human possesses a unique combination of doshas. In ayurveda, the human body perceives attributes of experiences as 20 Guna (Devanāgarī: गुण, meaning qualities).[7] Surgery and surgical instruments are employed.[7] It is believed that building a healthy metabolic system, attaining good digestion, and proper excretion leads to vitality.[7] Ayurveda also focuses on exercise, yoga, meditation, and massage.[8] Thus, body, mind, and spirit/consciousness need to be addressed both individually and in unison for health to ensue.
The practice of Panchakarma (Devanāgarī: पंचकर्म) is believed to eliminate toxic elements from the body.[9]
Eight disciplines of ayurveda treatment, called ashtangas (Devanāgarī: अष्टांग), are given below:[10]
* Internal medicine (Kaaya-chikitsa)
* Paediatrics (Kaumarabhrtyam)
* Surgery (Shalya-chikitsa)
* Eye and ENT (Shalakya tantra)
* Demonic possession (Bhuta vidya): Bhuta vidya has been called psychiatry.[2]
* Toxicology (Agadatantram)
* Prevention diseases and improving immunity and rejuvenation (rasayana)
* Aphrodisiacs and improving health of progeny (Vajikaranam)
In Hindu mythology, the origin of ayurvedic medicine is attributed to the physician of the gods,
Monday, January 3, 2011
Penis Enlargement Exercise - What it Does and Why it Works
When looking to increase penis size, there's no shortage of solutions out there (pills, pumps, stretchers, penis enlargement exercises, etc.). Unfortunately, too many of these methods will simply take your money and offer little or no real results. Most programs offer a 14 day guarantee, which would be great if this was a realistic time frame for achieving enlargement, but alas, it is not. This article should help you understand the logic behind natural penis enlargement exercise and how it can help you.
So many methods fail because they are a quick-fix. Men are perfectly happy thinking a "miracle pill" or a gimmicky device will do the work for them, only to find out that if you want something done right, you have to do it yourself. A permanent and substantial solution manipulates the basic anatomy of the penis to encourage natural growth. Bigger penis exercises help to achieve this but understanding why requires a familiarity with the workings of your penis.
The penis consists of three chambers, each of these fills with blood when you are sexually aroused. While the tissue that makes up the chamber walls is coaxable into stretching and molding, it is generally rigid and once the cambers fill you have reached your maximum size. It stands to reason, then, that the key to actually getting a bigger penis is enlarging these chambers (this will allow them to hold more blood and thus increase your maximum size).
The reason so many methods fail to work is that they either A) only increase blood flow to the penis (which does nothing when the chambers are of a set size) or B) they only manipulate the tissue in one direction (like stretchers and extenders that result in a possibly longer, but overall skinny penis).
Penis enlargement exercise works by gently manipulating the tissues through exercises (performed with your hands) and slowly breaking down sections of the chamber walls; I have been through this process and it is completely painless. Like a muscle, the cell walls of these chambers grow back larger to accommodate for the new stresses. The next time blood fills your penis during an erection, the chambers are larger and thus your penis' length and girth are increased.
So many methods fail because they are a quick-fix. Men are perfectly happy thinking a "miracle pill" or a gimmicky device will do the work for them, only to find out that if you want something done right, you have to do it yourself. A permanent and substantial solution manipulates the basic anatomy of the penis to encourage natural growth. Bigger penis exercises help to achieve this but understanding why requires a familiarity with the workings of your penis.
The penis consists of three chambers, each of these fills with blood when you are sexually aroused. While the tissue that makes up the chamber walls is coaxable into stretching and molding, it is generally rigid and once the cambers fill you have reached your maximum size. It stands to reason, then, that the key to actually getting a bigger penis is enlarging these chambers (this will allow them to hold more blood and thus increase your maximum size).
The reason so many methods fail to work is that they either A) only increase blood flow to the penis (which does nothing when the chambers are of a set size) or B) they only manipulate the tissue in one direction (like stretchers and extenders that result in a possibly longer, but overall skinny penis).
Penis enlargement exercise works by gently manipulating the tissues through exercises (performed with your hands) and slowly breaking down sections of the chamber walls; I have been through this process and it is completely painless. Like a muscle, the cell walls of these chambers grow back larger to accommodate for the new stresses. The next time blood fills your penis during an erection, the chambers are larger and thus your penis' length and girth are increased.
Safer Sex Tips and Methods to Prevent From HIV and STD
There are many people who don't see the point of having safe sex and they argue that it takes away the pleasure of making love. They are deeply wrong because unsafe sex, especially with unstable partners can pose a lot of threats to one's health. HIV and sexual transmitted diseases are one of the most serious dangers, not to mention the fact that there are many women who want to avoid pregnancy.
Staying healthy and making sure you don't conceive babies can only be done by adopting and putting in practice tips and methods for safe sex. The first step is to get informed about what safe sex means and about how to stay away from different threats. You need to do this regardless of the fact that you are a man or a woman because safe sex is the responsibility of both partners. It is not at all enough to know what you are supposed to do for protecting yourself of HIV, STDs and an unwanted pregnancy; you also have to put that information into practice.
In order to be able to enjoy safer sex, you have to know the cases in which viruses and diseases are transmitted. Many believe that oral sex is safer and it can't infect someone with HIV. Things are different because especially if you have sores or open in juries in your mouth, you are very likely to get HIV from an infected partner by practicing oral sex. Unprotected anal sex can also spread the virus and other infections.
Dental dam is a way of practicing safer sex because it keeps you away from all the infections and virus that can be transmitted through oral stimulation or sex. It is made of latex and it can easily be found in drugstores. Condoms are also one of the safest protective methods. The most efficient ones are made of latex. When using condoms for safer sex, you have to pay great attention to wearing them correctly because otherwise they might not offer any protection at all. It is never safe to use the same condom for practicing both vaginal and oral or anal sex. Lubricants are recommended to be used because they prevent condoms for breaking. Other contraceptive methods, like the pills or the diaphragm are indeed protecting the woman against unwanted pregnancy, but they leave the partners exposed to both HIV and other sexual transmitted diseases.
Staying healthy and making sure you don't conceive babies can only be done by adopting and putting in practice tips and methods for safe sex. The first step is to get informed about what safe sex means and about how to stay away from different threats. You need to do this regardless of the fact that you are a man or a woman because safe sex is the responsibility of both partners. It is not at all enough to know what you are supposed to do for protecting yourself of HIV, STDs and an unwanted pregnancy; you also have to put that information into practice.
In order to be able to enjoy safer sex, you have to know the cases in which viruses and diseases are transmitted. Many believe that oral sex is safer and it can't infect someone with HIV. Things are different because especially if you have sores or open in juries in your mouth, you are very likely to get HIV from an infected partner by practicing oral sex. Unprotected anal sex can also spread the virus and other infections.
Dental dam is a way of practicing safer sex because it keeps you away from all the infections and virus that can be transmitted through oral stimulation or sex. It is made of latex and it can easily be found in drugstores. Condoms are also one of the safest protective methods. The most efficient ones are made of latex. When using condoms for safer sex, you have to pay great attention to wearing them correctly because otherwise they might not offer any protection at all. It is never safe to use the same condom for practicing both vaginal and oral or anal sex. Lubricants are recommended to be used because they prevent condoms for breaking. Other contraceptive methods, like the pills or the diaphragm are indeed protecting the woman against unwanted pregnancy, but they leave the partners exposed to both HIV and other sexual transmitted diseases.
Home Remedies for Skin Care Keep You Beautiful!
Home Remedies for Skin Care Keep You Beautiful!
Avocado
Avocado has many medicinal uses. For skin care use the oil from the seed of this fruit. The oil of the avocado seed nourishes the skin and eating the fruit will nourish the body and skin from with-in. Massage this into the affected area if you have rough, dry or flaking conditions. It will make your skin soft and supple again.
Calendula
This herb has many medicinal uses, but above all this herb is used to restore the skin to health. As one of the best home remedies for skin care this herb helps heal minor burns including sunburn, cuts and scrapes.
It is very useful for inflamed skin or skin with rashe including diaper rash. It is effective for many with athletes foot. And for mothers breast feeding it helps soothe nipples. For conditions like acne or eczema, this herb can be used both externally or internally to reduce outbreaks.
Ceylon Leadwort
It is an evergreen shrub in-which the oil from it`s leaves can be made into a paste for scabies. This paste is also used to relieve some kinds arthritis pain, but for the skin it`s use is to heal scabies. One word of caution: this herb should only be used internally under doctors care and should not be used if pregnant.
Eat more fruits and vegetables for healthier skin.
Some of the best home remedies for skin are not exciting, but none the less they are what you need to have if you want great skin. Vitamins A-C-E are your ace in the whole when it comes to youthful skin. These fight free radicals along with other nutrients in the different whole foods that will keep you looking and feeling your best.
Drink more water. You knew it was coming and here it is. You should drink half your body weight in ounces of water ever day.
Daily Meditation.
Stress is one of the biggest contributors to wrinkles and other problems of the skin. Take 12 - 30 minutes a day and relax. Learning to meditate will seem strange and even uncomfortable at first, but once you get into a routine you begin to immediately see it`s value and it will become one of the favorite times of day for you. Truly one of the great home remedies for skin care.
Our skin is the largest organ in our bodies and the only one that is exposed to outside conditions. It is often the early signal to what is going on inside us with body, mind and spirit. If we want beautiful skin then we have to find balance with the total self.
Kazuko is a former professional dancer in Japan who has studied and used natural medicine and home remedies for many years. Click here for more Home Remedies for Skin Care If you like this article and would like to know more about the author or home remedies for conditions
Avocado
Avocado has many medicinal uses. For skin care use the oil from the seed of this fruit. The oil of the avocado seed nourishes the skin and eating the fruit will nourish the body and skin from with-in. Massage this into the affected area if you have rough, dry or flaking conditions. It will make your skin soft and supple again.
Calendula
This herb has many medicinal uses, but above all this herb is used to restore the skin to health. As one of the best home remedies for skin care this herb helps heal minor burns including sunburn, cuts and scrapes.
It is very useful for inflamed skin or skin with rashe including diaper rash. It is effective for many with athletes foot. And for mothers breast feeding it helps soothe nipples. For conditions like acne or eczema, this herb can be used both externally or internally to reduce outbreaks.
Ceylon Leadwort
It is an evergreen shrub in-which the oil from it`s leaves can be made into a paste for scabies. This paste is also used to relieve some kinds arthritis pain, but for the skin it`s use is to heal scabies. One word of caution: this herb should only be used internally under doctors care and should not be used if pregnant.
Eat more fruits and vegetables for healthier skin.
Some of the best home remedies for skin are not exciting, but none the less they are what you need to have if you want great skin. Vitamins A-C-E are your ace in the whole when it comes to youthful skin. These fight free radicals along with other nutrients in the different whole foods that will keep you looking and feeling your best.
Drink more water. You knew it was coming and here it is. You should drink half your body weight in ounces of water ever day.
Daily Meditation.
Stress is one of the biggest contributors to wrinkles and other problems of the skin. Take 12 - 30 minutes a day and relax. Learning to meditate will seem strange and even uncomfortable at first, but once you get into a routine you begin to immediately see it`s value and it will become one of the favorite times of day for you. Truly one of the great home remedies for skin care.
Our skin is the largest organ in our bodies and the only one that is exposed to outside conditions. It is often the early signal to what is going on inside us with body, mind and spirit. If we want beautiful skin then we have to find balance with the total self.
Kazuko is a former professional dancer in Japan who has studied and used natural medicine and home remedies for many years. Click here for more Home Remedies for Skin Care If you like this article and would like to know more about the author or home remedies for conditions
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Home Remedy for Weight Loss - Natural Home remedies for Weight Loss
Home Remedy for Weight Loss - Natural Home remedies for Weight Loss
Quick homemade weight loss diet plan
For a shapely and beautiful body and shedding obesity related ugliness:
(1) Take balanced and healthful food that will bring about internal purification and expel toxins from the body.
(2) Relaxation: Allow the body and mind to relax completely. It removes tension and improves blood circulation and expels toxins from the body.
(3) Bitter gourd: Take the juice of bitter gourd with lemon every morning to shed weight.
(4) Take exercise regularly. It makes the body shapely and beautiful and then depletes the accumulation of fat from certain parts of the body.
(5) Massage the body well with oil. Take special care of the particular parts of body where fat has accumulated.
(6) Take long and deep breaths to inhale more of oxygen and destroy toxins in the body.
(7) Both overweight men and women should do skipping on empty stomach or five hours after meals.
Natural remedies for maintaining weight loss
Expel the toxins in the body through stool, urine and sweating. For this, tackle constipation and take more of diuretic substances and liquids for increased flow of urine. Allow the body to sweat out the toxins. This will helps in the reduction of weight.
Salt: It is quite helpful. Take salt-free food to lose weight.
Vegetables and Fruits: Vegetables and fruits are low calorie foods, therefore, eat more of them. Banana and cheeku increase the weight, hence do not eat them. Do not add salt to fruits and vegetables for taste. Reduce the salt intake to the minimum. Also do not consume sugar, oily and fatty substances like clarified butter, butter and sweet potato. This will helpful in normalizing the body weight.
Home Remedies for the treatment of ----using Lemon
This is simple home remedy for weight loss using Lemon : (1) Squeeze a lemon into a glass of warm water, add rock salt to taste and drink it in the morning every day for two months. It will be beneficial in reducing weight. It is much more helpful in the summer.
(2) Squeeze a lemon into a glass of warm water and add 2 tsp. of honey to it. Take it daily for four months to shed obesity. This will prevents weight loss
.
Quick homemade weight loss diet plan
For a shapely and beautiful body and shedding obesity related ugliness:
(1) Take balanced and healthful food that will bring about internal purification and expel toxins from the body.
(2) Relaxation: Allow the body and mind to relax completely. It removes tension and improves blood circulation and expels toxins from the body.
(3) Bitter gourd: Take the juice of bitter gourd with lemon every morning to shed weight.
(4) Take exercise regularly. It makes the body shapely and beautiful and then depletes the accumulation of fat from certain parts of the body.
(5) Massage the body well with oil. Take special care of the particular parts of body where fat has accumulated.
(6) Take long and deep breaths to inhale more of oxygen and destroy toxins in the body.
(7) Both overweight men and women should do skipping on empty stomach or five hours after meals.
Natural remedies for maintaining weight loss
Expel the toxins in the body through stool, urine and sweating. For this, tackle constipation and take more of diuretic substances and liquids for increased flow of urine. Allow the body to sweat out the toxins. This will helps in the reduction of weight.
Salt: It is quite helpful. Take salt-free food to lose weight.
Vegetables and Fruits: Vegetables and fruits are low calorie foods, therefore, eat more of them. Banana and cheeku increase the weight, hence do not eat them. Do not add salt to fruits and vegetables for taste. Reduce the salt intake to the minimum. Also do not consume sugar, oily and fatty substances like clarified butter, butter and sweet potato. This will helpful in normalizing the body weight.
Home Remedies for the treatment of ----using Lemon
This is simple home remedy for weight loss using Lemon : (1) Squeeze a lemon into a glass of warm water, add rock salt to taste and drink it in the morning every day for two months. It will be beneficial in reducing weight. It is much more helpful in the summer.
(2) Squeeze a lemon into a glass of warm water and add 2 tsp. of honey to it. Take it daily for four months to shed obesity. This will prevents weight loss
.
How to Breast Feed your infant. Basics you must know
People are very much organized nowadays that they look for information about breast feeding already while still searching for information about How to Get Pregnant. Years ago, perhaps when you were a child, breastfeeding was not very popular. Breastfeeding was not encouraged as it is in todays society.
More so, there are fewer complications associated with breast milk than with cow?s milk. Because of this, and a few other reasons, there were many new mothers that went directly to feeding with the bottle, most often new mothers didn't even try to breastfeed their new baby. Breastfeeding helps protect and nurture your baby in innumerable ways.
After the feed your breast feels sore. You dread the next feed, and then you begin shivering. Another advantage breast milk has over cow?s milk is that it allows the mother to save as cow?s milk can be expensive. The baby can better adapt to breast milk.
Consequently the milk is not properly drained from the breast and a milk duct becomes blocked. Breast milk is very special, every mother's milk is slightly different, tailored to her own baby's needs. Since breastfeeding has been given so much importance, many women have been made aware. Every feeding time is an extremely important time of the day, it allows the mother and baby time to bond to each other without any distractions.
You may feel a small lump which disappears as the duct becomes unblocked. In order to lower down the incidence of breast related problems due to lactation, it is important that mothers observe the proper techniques of breast feeding. Another effective technique is to try expressing milk with the aid of an electric or hand pump.
If you are still struggling to get pregnant, a great infertility treatment guide you can use is available by the name Pregnancy Miracle. Breastfeeding will instill a naptime but you'll find yourself continuing to rock your precious little one, it's calming to mother as well. One of these exercises would involve routinely pinching the nipple.
You'll detect these problems early on and you'll find that most hospitals have a nursing specialist that will help to determine if your baby is latching on wrong. However, the last thing you may want to do is to feed from the affected side at all as it is so painful. This will only make things worse and you may end up with an abscess.
Breast milk is not only good for your baby, but it's also good for the mother as well. If you are worried about your baby drinking milk from the affected breast a good alternative is to express and dispose of the milk and to feed only from the unaffected side.
Your body will adapt. To aid your baby in latching on properly, you should make use of their rooting reflex.
This is manifested in the first few months of life. There may even come a time later in life when you look back on this wonderful experience and wish that you had breast fed your baby longer.
More so, there are fewer complications associated with breast milk than with cow?s milk. Because of this, and a few other reasons, there were many new mothers that went directly to feeding with the bottle, most often new mothers didn't even try to breastfeed their new baby. Breastfeeding helps protect and nurture your baby in innumerable ways.
After the feed your breast feels sore. You dread the next feed, and then you begin shivering. Another advantage breast milk has over cow?s milk is that it allows the mother to save as cow?s milk can be expensive. The baby can better adapt to breast milk.
Consequently the milk is not properly drained from the breast and a milk duct becomes blocked. Breast milk is very special, every mother's milk is slightly different, tailored to her own baby's needs. Since breastfeeding has been given so much importance, many women have been made aware. Every feeding time is an extremely important time of the day, it allows the mother and baby time to bond to each other without any distractions.
You may feel a small lump which disappears as the duct becomes unblocked. In order to lower down the incidence of breast related problems due to lactation, it is important that mothers observe the proper techniques of breast feeding. Another effective technique is to try expressing milk with the aid of an electric or hand pump.
If you are still struggling to get pregnant, a great infertility treatment guide you can use is available by the name Pregnancy Miracle. Breastfeeding will instill a naptime but you'll find yourself continuing to rock your precious little one, it's calming to mother as well. One of these exercises would involve routinely pinching the nipple.
You'll detect these problems early on and you'll find that most hospitals have a nursing specialist that will help to determine if your baby is latching on wrong. However, the last thing you may want to do is to feed from the affected side at all as it is so painful. This will only make things worse and you may end up with an abscess.
Breast milk is not only good for your baby, but it's also good for the mother as well. If you are worried about your baby drinking milk from the affected breast a good alternative is to express and dispose of the milk and to feed only from the unaffected side.
Your body will adapt. To aid your baby in latching on properly, you should make use of their rooting reflex.
This is manifested in the first few months of life. There may even come a time later in life when you look back on this wonderful experience and wish that you had breast fed your baby longer.
Can A Natural Diabetes Treatment Work Effectively
Diabetes is becoming more and more prevalent in our society. The numbers of sufferers are rising every year, and a lot of people are unaware that they have it as they do not recognise any symptoms they might have. There is not a permanent cure for this disease yet, so people with diabetes have to rely on synthetic insulin or consider a natural diabetes treatment.
Diabetes is caused by the body being unable to produce or use insulin effectively. Insulin is a hormone that is very important for converting sugar and carbohydrates into usable energy for the body. If the sugar is not converted then a diabetic may have dangerously high levels of sugar in their blood.
The result is that the extra sugar can cause hyperglycemia. The extra sugar is eventually eliminated by the body through urination. The body is unable to extract any goodness from food so a person suffering from untreated diabetes is likely to lose weight.
This is just one symptom of diabetes. Others include feeling very thirsty all the time, needing to urinate a lot, and feeling a deep sense of fatigue. Type two diabetes used to be found in older people who were overweight and whose health was bad. It is being found in a lot of younger people, and has even been found in children which even a few years ago would have been unthinkable.
You may have been warned by your doctor that you are at risk of developing type two diabetes or are developing it. It can be a major shock to hear, and for most people it will mean a radical overhaul of their lifestyle and diet is needed. This will almost certainly mean losing weight and getting more exercise, but you may be wondering what else you can do.
A supplement such as Diamaxol could help you . These kinds of all natural supplements can be a useful aid in regulating blood sugar without any harmful side effects. They can help you to get your weight under control and also boost your health.
The main aim of these supplements is to keep blood sugar at a constant level during the day.If you know you have this under control then you can start to deal with the other factors. A natural supplement can help your pancreas to become a little healthier, so it may feel like producing more insulin again.
A natural supplement can help to reduce the amount of insulin necessary over time, as the effects of diet and exercise start to work with it. It is proven that being near to your ideal weight can make a huge difference to healthy blood sugar management. Natural supplements can contain a powerful antioxidant that can help to lessen any complications caused by diabetes.
As these complications can be very serious it could be well worth considering a supplement. Diabetes can affect the eyes, kidneys, the liver and blood vessels. It is also well known that many diabetics can develop nerve damage in their feet and hands. Diabetes is a very serous disease so it is worth giving yourself every chance to get it under control. If left untreated it can cause serious complications. Developing a healthy lifestyle in conjunction with a natural diabetes treatment could help lessen the need for insulin. Always check with your doctor first before changing any of your medications.
Do you have diabetes? Then you may need type 2 diabetes treatment. There is a natural diabetes treatment that we would like to tell you about.
Diabetes is caused by the body being unable to produce or use insulin effectively. Insulin is a hormone that is very important for converting sugar and carbohydrates into usable energy for the body. If the sugar is not converted then a diabetic may have dangerously high levels of sugar in their blood.
The result is that the extra sugar can cause hyperglycemia. The extra sugar is eventually eliminated by the body through urination. The body is unable to extract any goodness from food so a person suffering from untreated diabetes is likely to lose weight.
This is just one symptom of diabetes. Others include feeling very thirsty all the time, needing to urinate a lot, and feeling a deep sense of fatigue. Type two diabetes used to be found in older people who were overweight and whose health was bad. It is being found in a lot of younger people, and has even been found in children which even a few years ago would have been unthinkable.
You may have been warned by your doctor that you are at risk of developing type two diabetes or are developing it. It can be a major shock to hear, and for most people it will mean a radical overhaul of their lifestyle and diet is needed. This will almost certainly mean losing weight and getting more exercise, but you may be wondering what else you can do.
A supplement such as Diamaxol could help you . These kinds of all natural supplements can be a useful aid in regulating blood sugar without any harmful side effects. They can help you to get your weight under control and also boost your health.
The main aim of these supplements is to keep blood sugar at a constant level during the day.If you know you have this under control then you can start to deal with the other factors. A natural supplement can help your pancreas to become a little healthier, so it may feel like producing more insulin again.
A natural supplement can help to reduce the amount of insulin necessary over time, as the effects of diet and exercise start to work with it. It is proven that being near to your ideal weight can make a huge difference to healthy blood sugar management. Natural supplements can contain a powerful antioxidant that can help to lessen any complications caused by diabetes.
As these complications can be very serious it could be well worth considering a supplement. Diabetes can affect the eyes, kidneys, the liver and blood vessels. It is also well known that many diabetics can develop nerve damage in their feet and hands. Diabetes is a very serous disease so it is worth giving yourself every chance to get it under control. If left untreated it can cause serious complications. Developing a healthy lifestyle in conjunction with a natural diabetes treatment could help lessen the need for insulin. Always check with your doctor first before changing any of your medications.
Do you have diabetes? Then you may need type 2 diabetes treatment. There is a natural diabetes treatment that we would like to tell you about.
Cervical Cancer Natural Treatments
Invasive cervical cancer is the second most common type of cancer in women and accounts of over 11 percent of all cancers around the world. Cervical cancer is the growth of malignant cells in the cervix, the narrow opening of the uterus. Cervical cancer develops slowly from a distinct precancerous stage (dysplasia). Cancer confined to the surface of the cervix is classified as preinvasive, while cancer that has spread into deeper layers or other organs is termed invasive. Symptoms may not appear until the cancer reaches the more dangerous invasive phase; however, with early diagnosis and treatment, long – term prognosis is extremely favorable.
Women who are sexually active, over age 18, or whose mothers took drugs DES during pregnancy should have a pap smear at least once a year. The cure, preinvasive cervical cancer may be treated by cauterization (burning away cancerous cells), cryosurgery (freezing and destroying cancerous cells) or laser surgery. Preinvasive cancers may also be totally removed during conization or with hysterectomy (removal of the cervix and uterus). Surgery for invasive cervical cancer is usually treated by radical hysterectomy; very severe cases may also require removal of the bladder and rectum. Radiation and chemotherapy may be used if cancer has spread throughout the uterus or to other organs.
Recommended dietary and nutritional factors for natural cervical cancer treatments
A diet low in fatty meats (especially pork), red meat, cheeses, and white bread, and high soy products, fruits, dark green vegetables, tomatoes, whole grains, and yogurt offers the best dietary protection. Shiitake mushrooms are also a good source of protection.
If you do not consume 3-5 servings of fruits and vegetables daily, you should take vitamin C (500-1,000 milligrams daily) E, A, and beta carotene (25,000-50,000 international units daily) in supplemental form. Folic acid, one of the B vitamins (400-800 micrograms daily), can not only aid in prevention, but it has been known to reverse precancerous changes in cervical cells. Shark cartilage may also be helpful in fighting or preventing cervical cancer.
More recommendations for natural cervical cancer treatments
Some people are combining the conventional and natural alternative therapy and they found it very powerful. Others say that natural alternative treatment alone is enough to deal with all diseases. But sometimes we have to be balance to our approach pertaining to prevention and treatment. Natural and alternative prevention and treatment are increasing and are now gaining respect in the medical world. The treatments are not only dealing with the effects but are treating the cause. That's why all of it is effective if applied properly. All alternative prevention and cure are non invasive and it's the highly recommended treatment by almost European doctors. But, this approach is suppressed in the U.S. Natural cervical cancer treatments as provided by the "cure within one minute for all diseases" has gain respect and prominence to a lot of people. The principle is so simple; studies showed that if you deprive a cell 35% of its required levels of oxygen for 2 to 3days, the cell would become cancerous. Almost all people don't know that lack of oxygen is not only the cause of cancer but is also the cause of most diseases and sickness. When the body is supplied and delivered with abundant amounts of oxygen, no cancer cells, viruses, harmful bacteria, toxins, pathogens and disease microorganisms can survive because they cannot survive in a highly oxygenated environment.
Take the time to discover and study this one, we highly recommend this therapy as one of your best options for natural cervical cancer treatments. Just follow the link and watch also the 5minute video presentation for final assessment:
Women who are sexually active, over age 18, or whose mothers took drugs DES during pregnancy should have a pap smear at least once a year. The cure, preinvasive cervical cancer may be treated by cauterization (burning away cancerous cells), cryosurgery (freezing and destroying cancerous cells) or laser surgery. Preinvasive cancers may also be totally removed during conization or with hysterectomy (removal of the cervix and uterus). Surgery for invasive cervical cancer is usually treated by radical hysterectomy; very severe cases may also require removal of the bladder and rectum. Radiation and chemotherapy may be used if cancer has spread throughout the uterus or to other organs.
Recommended dietary and nutritional factors for natural cervical cancer treatments
A diet low in fatty meats (especially pork), red meat, cheeses, and white bread, and high soy products, fruits, dark green vegetables, tomatoes, whole grains, and yogurt offers the best dietary protection. Shiitake mushrooms are also a good source of protection.
If you do not consume 3-5 servings of fruits and vegetables daily, you should take vitamin C (500-1,000 milligrams daily) E, A, and beta carotene (25,000-50,000 international units daily) in supplemental form. Folic acid, one of the B vitamins (400-800 micrograms daily), can not only aid in prevention, but it has been known to reverse precancerous changes in cervical cells. Shark cartilage may also be helpful in fighting or preventing cervical cancer.
More recommendations for natural cervical cancer treatments
Some people are combining the conventional and natural alternative therapy and they found it very powerful. Others say that natural alternative treatment alone is enough to deal with all diseases. But sometimes we have to be balance to our approach pertaining to prevention and treatment. Natural and alternative prevention and treatment are increasing and are now gaining respect in the medical world. The treatments are not only dealing with the effects but are treating the cause. That's why all of it is effective if applied properly. All alternative prevention and cure are non invasive and it's the highly recommended treatment by almost European doctors. But, this approach is suppressed in the U.S. Natural cervical cancer treatments as provided by the "cure within one minute for all diseases" has gain respect and prominence to a lot of people. The principle is so simple; studies showed that if you deprive a cell 35% of its required levels of oxygen for 2 to 3days, the cell would become cancerous. Almost all people don't know that lack of oxygen is not only the cause of cancer but is also the cause of most diseases and sickness. When the body is supplied and delivered with abundant amounts of oxygen, no cancer cells, viruses, harmful bacteria, toxins, pathogens and disease microorganisms can survive because they cannot survive in a highly oxygenated environment.
Take the time to discover and study this one, we highly recommend this therapy as one of your best options for natural cervical cancer treatments. Just follow the link and watch also the 5minute video presentation for final assessment:
Knowing about the Disease Called Diabetes
Anything that is not normal inside the body can cause complications and diseases. For instance, if your blood cholesterol level is higher than the usual, then there is a big chance for you to have hypertension. Also, if your blood sugar level is not normal, the chances of having diabetes are also high. Let us take a look at this disease that we call diabetes. What is this disease and how can we prevent it? Like with any other concerns, proper awareness is always a good way start. We have to earn about the disease first so we can understand the cure and prevention.
As we all know, more and more people are suffering from diabetes. It is a disease wherein the pancreas stops functioning normally because of the unhealthy lifestyle of people and some other unknown reasons. Actually, several projects for diabetes research are conducted each year in order to provide better diabetes treatment. The most alarming thing about this disease is that the symptoms even show up on children when it is supposed to only affect adults who are in their middle age.
A person can acquire diabetes because of some occurrences inside the body. One is when the pancreas stops working and therefore cannot produce insulin. Insulin is essential in converting sugar contents from foods like glucose into energy. If the body fails to utilize sugar effectively, Glucose can accumulate into the blood stream. We all know that our blood travels around the body through the blood vessels to supply food and oxygen to various body parts. If too much of a certain nutrient such as Glucose is supplied to a body part, then there will be a malfunction. This can lead to complications as stroke, blindness, impotence, nerve damage, wounds that don’t heal, etc. Diabetes also happens if the body itself rejects the insulin produced by the pancreas.
There are two types of diabetes, the type 1 diabetes and the type 2 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes happens when the pancreas stops producing insulin for the body while type 2 diabetes happens when the body rejects insulin and therefore fails to utilize sugar effectively.
As the saying goes, prevention is always better than cure. Living a healthy lifestyle is the key to prevention of various diseases. For people who have already acquired the disease, glucose level monitoring and insulin supply are necessary. There are also some pills and food supplements that help minimize the full effect of the disease. For people who have greater chances of acquiring diabetes which may be due to family history, unhealthy routines and sedentary lifestyle, it is time to change your ways as early as now. It is recommended to avoid too much sugar in your foods and try to live a healthy and active lifestyle.
Diabetes is a dreaded disease. It would be great if we can know something about it as early as now. There is diabetes information that could help us understand this type of disease so we can find out about the ways to prevent it.
As we all know, more and more people are suffering from diabetes. It is a disease wherein the pancreas stops functioning normally because of the unhealthy lifestyle of people and some other unknown reasons. Actually, several projects for diabetes research are conducted each year in order to provide better diabetes treatment. The most alarming thing about this disease is that the symptoms even show up on children when it is supposed to only affect adults who are in their middle age.
A person can acquire diabetes because of some occurrences inside the body. One is when the pancreas stops working and therefore cannot produce insulin. Insulin is essential in converting sugar contents from foods like glucose into energy. If the body fails to utilize sugar effectively, Glucose can accumulate into the blood stream. We all know that our blood travels around the body through the blood vessels to supply food and oxygen to various body parts. If too much of a certain nutrient such as Glucose is supplied to a body part, then there will be a malfunction. This can lead to complications as stroke, blindness, impotence, nerve damage, wounds that don’t heal, etc. Diabetes also happens if the body itself rejects the insulin produced by the pancreas.
There are two types of diabetes, the type 1 diabetes and the type 2 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes happens when the pancreas stops producing insulin for the body while type 2 diabetes happens when the body rejects insulin and therefore fails to utilize sugar effectively.
As the saying goes, prevention is always better than cure. Living a healthy lifestyle is the key to prevention of various diseases. For people who have already acquired the disease, glucose level monitoring and insulin supply are necessary. There are also some pills and food supplements that help minimize the full effect of the disease. For people who have greater chances of acquiring diabetes which may be due to family history, unhealthy routines and sedentary lifestyle, it is time to change your ways as early as now. It is recommended to avoid too much sugar in your foods and try to live a healthy and active lifestyle.
Diabetes is a dreaded disease. It would be great if we can know something about it as early as now. There is diabetes information that could help us understand this type of disease so we can find out about the ways to prevent it.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
11 mistakes women make in middle age
Let’s not kid ourselves. Getting older is a drag, and middle age is particularly fraught with tension.
Do the sexy clothes you wore in the past now seem just plain wrong? Will smoky eye makeup that looks great on 19-year-olds make you appear just plain crazy?
Part of the problem is that aging often requires change, but most women don’t want to move to a frumpy town called Middle Age, where sensible shoes and boring clothes are de rigueur.
Here are the 11 most common mistakes aging women make—and how to avoid them.
Not realizing you need to change
The biggest mistake women make is not doing anything at all. Hair, makeup, and clothing that made you look fantastic in your younger years, often won’t cut it as you grow older.
If you want to age gracefully, you’ll need to make some changes.
“Many women keep doing the same things they’ve been doing for decades, which very often no longer works and may not be as flattering for a woman over 50,” says Barbara Grufferman, author of The Best of Everything After 50: The Experts’ Guide to Style, Sex, Health, Money, and More.
“They often don’t even realize they are making mistakes, so it’s all about finding what those mistakes are before they can happen.”
Not spending enough on your clothes
Remember the good old days, when you could snag a bikini off the sale rack and look like hot stuff on the beach? Unfortunately, those days are gone. (Unless you’re Madonna, Helen Mirren, or happen to look like them.)
The rest of us need to invest in clothing that’s a bit more, well, constructed. Think Lycra panels, butt-boosting jeans, and Spanx.
It’s a challenge to find flattering clothes at any age, but it’s even harder in middle age. You’ll probably need to fork over more dough for body-squeezing swimsuits and well-fitted business clothes that do the trick.
Health.com: The best jeans for your body
Comparing yourself to you in your 20s
Have your kids ever asked, “Who’s that pretty lady in your photo album?” You’re not alone.
Few people look as attractive in middle age as they did in their younger years. So take a walk down memory lane if you must, but don’t get depressed if you run into your younger self.
The goal is to look as good as you can—and be as healthy as you can—not recreate the body and face you had decades ago.
Skipping exercise
Tempted to stop working out as you get older? (Or use it as another excuse not to start?) Sorry, that won’t cut it.
You’ll have to exercise despite the aches and pains of middle age—the bum knee, tricky back, or it-just-makes-me-feel-like-hell feeling.
Exercising can actually relieve pain, and stave off health problems in coming years, such as creeping weight gain, diabetes, heart disease, or dementia.
If you can manage a marathon, great. If not, now is the time to check out the gym pool, start taking yoga, or fall in love with power walking.
Health.com: Your 50s strength workout
Not getting enough sleep
Gone are the days when you could stay up all night and still make it to work with a glowing complexion and a spring in your step.
The fact is, you may have heard a “you look tired” comment even after a good night’s sleep. (It’s OK to grit your teeth on that one.)
While it may be tempting to shortchange sleep, particularly if you’re juggling parent- and child-care duties, this may be one more thing you need to change.
Fewer hours of sleep are more likely to show up on your face, true. But it’s also linked to a greater risk of diabetes and other health problems, which become even more important as you age.
Health.com: 8 things keeping you up at night
Ignoring your teeth
You may be focusing on your wrinkles or thinning hair, but don’t forget to smile at yourself in the mirror.
One thing that can make you appear older is yellowing teeth, but it is about more than just looks. Dental health is closely linked with overall health, and gum disease—which gets more common as you age—has been associated with a higher risk of heart problems.
So don’t skip those visits to the dentist.
Overdoing anti-aging efforts
This is a common mistake made by celebrities and real women alike.
No one likes crow’s-feet or laugh lines, but a frozen Botox face or scary lip plumping isn’t a great look either.
The right skin products (such as those containing retinol) can help diminish fine lines and wrinkles. If you’re not happy with the result, then explore other alternatives—but don’t aim to look like a teen again.
“No wrinkles can be unrealistic and unnatural,” says Grufferman.
Health.com: 14 health products you probably don't need
Thinking there are hair “rules”
Do you have to cut your tresses short or above the shoulders once you’re 50? No, because there aren’t really any hair “rules” for middle-aged women, says Grufferman. “It depends on a woman’s height, shape, lifestyle, and the condition of her hair.”
The fact is that your hair will probably get more gray and thin as you age, and the texture may get coarser as well.
Choose a cut and color that’s flattering, keeping in mind that it probably won’t be the cut and color that worked for you in your 20s and 30s.
Using the wrong makeup
The makeup colors and brands you’ve been wearing for years probably don’t reflect what’s best for your skin anymore.
And resist the urge to slather on heavy-duty powders and concealers to cover up wrinkles and under-eye circles as caked-on or dark makeup can make you seem even older. For a more natural look, Grufferman suggests using a magnifying mirror and having a “lighter touch” when applying. Keep your cosmetic bag current—replace foundations, powders, and concealers every 6 months to a year, and steer clear of dated makeup styles too.
Health.com: The best colors for your complexion
Settling for a boring sex life
Our culture tends to sell the message that young equals sexy, but you don’t have to buy into it.
You should have the confidence and freedom to dress and feel as sexy as you want to, and explore your sexual needs as well.
“Women over 50 can have the best sex of their lives,” Grufferman says. “For many women, it’s the first time they are having sex for fun and enjoyment, not for a result (children)."
Health.com: 8 reasons sex is better after 50
Wearing the wrong bra
It’s inevitable—gravity has an impact on our bodies. But while you might be saggy where you were once perky, that doesn’t mean you have to stay that way.
“Many women continue to wear the same size and brand they’ve always worn, without considering that our bodies change as we age,” says Grufferman.
The right underwear can help lift and slim your body, so re-evaluate your undergarments and invest in some new pieces. Most large department stores and lingerie shops offer free bra-fitting services.
Do the sexy clothes you wore in the past now seem just plain wrong? Will smoky eye makeup that looks great on 19-year-olds make you appear just plain crazy?
Part of the problem is that aging often requires change, but most women don’t want to move to a frumpy town called Middle Age, where sensible shoes and boring clothes are de rigueur.
Here are the 11 most common mistakes aging women make—and how to avoid them.
Not realizing you need to change
The biggest mistake women make is not doing anything at all. Hair, makeup, and clothing that made you look fantastic in your younger years, often won’t cut it as you grow older.
If you want to age gracefully, you’ll need to make some changes.
“Many women keep doing the same things they’ve been doing for decades, which very often no longer works and may not be as flattering for a woman over 50,” says Barbara Grufferman, author of The Best of Everything After 50: The Experts’ Guide to Style, Sex, Health, Money, and More.
“They often don’t even realize they are making mistakes, so it’s all about finding what those mistakes are before they can happen.”
Not spending enough on your clothes
Remember the good old days, when you could snag a bikini off the sale rack and look like hot stuff on the beach? Unfortunately, those days are gone. (Unless you’re Madonna, Helen Mirren, or happen to look like them.)
The rest of us need to invest in clothing that’s a bit more, well, constructed. Think Lycra panels, butt-boosting jeans, and Spanx.
It’s a challenge to find flattering clothes at any age, but it’s even harder in middle age. You’ll probably need to fork over more dough for body-squeezing swimsuits and well-fitted business clothes that do the trick.
Health.com: The best jeans for your body
Comparing yourself to you in your 20s
Have your kids ever asked, “Who’s that pretty lady in your photo album?” You’re not alone.
Few people look as attractive in middle age as they did in their younger years. So take a walk down memory lane if you must, but don’t get depressed if you run into your younger self.
The goal is to look as good as you can—and be as healthy as you can—not recreate the body and face you had decades ago.
Skipping exercise
Tempted to stop working out as you get older? (Or use it as another excuse not to start?) Sorry, that won’t cut it.
You’ll have to exercise despite the aches and pains of middle age—the bum knee, tricky back, or it-just-makes-me-feel-like-hell feeling.
Exercising can actually relieve pain, and stave off health problems in coming years, such as creeping weight gain, diabetes, heart disease, or dementia.
If you can manage a marathon, great. If not, now is the time to check out the gym pool, start taking yoga, or fall in love with power walking.
Health.com: Your 50s strength workout
Not getting enough sleep
Gone are the days when you could stay up all night and still make it to work with a glowing complexion and a spring in your step.
The fact is, you may have heard a “you look tired” comment even after a good night’s sleep. (It’s OK to grit your teeth on that one.)
While it may be tempting to shortchange sleep, particularly if you’re juggling parent- and child-care duties, this may be one more thing you need to change.
Fewer hours of sleep are more likely to show up on your face, true. But it’s also linked to a greater risk of diabetes and other health problems, which become even more important as you age.
Health.com: 8 things keeping you up at night
Ignoring your teeth
You may be focusing on your wrinkles or thinning hair, but don’t forget to smile at yourself in the mirror.
One thing that can make you appear older is yellowing teeth, but it is about more than just looks. Dental health is closely linked with overall health, and gum disease—which gets more common as you age—has been associated with a higher risk of heart problems.
So don’t skip those visits to the dentist.
Getty Images
Overdoing anti-aging efforts
This is a common mistake made by celebrities and real women alike.
No one likes crow’s-feet or laugh lines, but a frozen Botox face or scary lip plumping isn’t a great look either.
The right skin products (such as those containing retinol) can help diminish fine lines and wrinkles. If you’re not happy with the result, then explore other alternatives—but don’t aim to look like a teen again.
“No wrinkles can be unrealistic and unnatural,” says Grufferman.
Health.com: 14 health products you probably don't need
Thinking there are hair “rules”
Do you have to cut your tresses short or above the shoulders once you’re 50? No, because there aren’t really any hair “rules” for middle-aged women, says Grufferman. “It depends on a woman’s height, shape, lifestyle, and the condition of her hair.”
The fact is that your hair will probably get more gray and thin as you age, and the texture may get coarser as well.
Choose a cut and color that’s flattering, keeping in mind that it probably won’t be the cut and color that worked for you in your 20s and 30s.
Using the wrong makeup
The makeup colors and brands you’ve been wearing for years probably don’t reflect what’s best for your skin anymore.
And resist the urge to slather on heavy-duty powders and concealers to cover up wrinkles and under-eye circles as caked-on or dark makeup can make you seem even older. For a more natural look, Grufferman suggests using a magnifying mirror and having a “lighter touch” when applying. Keep your cosmetic bag current—replace foundations, powders, and concealers every 6 months to a year, and steer clear of dated makeup styles too.
Health.com: The best colors for your complexion
Settling for a boring sex life
Our culture tends to sell the message that young equals sexy, but you don’t have to buy into it.
You should have the confidence and freedom to dress and feel as sexy as you want to, and explore your sexual needs as well.
“Women over 50 can have the best sex of their lives,” Grufferman says. “For many women, it’s the first time they are having sex for fun and enjoyment, not for a result (children)."
Health.com: 8 reasons sex is better after 50
Wearing the wrong bra
It’s inevitable—gravity has an impact on our bodies. But while you might be saggy where you were once perky, that doesn’t mean you have to stay that way.
“Many women continue to wear the same size and brand they’ve always worn, without considering that our bodies change as we age,” says Grufferman.
The right underwear can help lift and slim your body, so re-evaluate your undergarments and invest in some new pieces. Most large department stores and lingerie shops offer free bra-fitting services.
Endometrial cancer
Endometrial cancer
Definition
Endometrial cancer develops when the cells that make up the inner lining of the uterus (the endometrium) become abnormal and grow uncontrollably.
Description
Endometrial cancer (also called uterine cancer) is the fourth most common type of cancer among women and the most common gynecologic cancer. Approximately 34, 000 women are diagnosed with endometrial cancer each year. In 1998, approximately 6, 300 women died from this cancer. Although endometrial cancer generally occurs in women who have gone through menopause and are 45 years of age or older, 30% of the women with endometrial cancer are younger than 40 years of age. The average age at diagnosis is 60 years old.
The uterus, or womb, is the hollow female organ that supports the development of the unborn baby during pregnancy. The uterus has a thick muscular wall and an inner lining called the endometrium. The endometrium is very sensitive to hormones and it changes daily during the menstrual cycle. The endometrium is designed to provide an ideal environment for the fertilized egg to implant and begin to grow. If pregnancy does not occur, the endometrium is shed causing the menstrual period.
More than 95% of uterine cancers arise in the endometrium. The most common type of uterine cancer is adenocarcinoma. It arises from an abnormal multiplication of endometrial cells (atypical adenomatous hyper-plasia) and is made up of mature, specialized cells (well-differentiated). Less commonly, endometrial cancer arises without a preceding hyperplasia and is made up of poorly differentiated cells. The more common of these types are the papillary serous and clear cell carcinomas. Poorly differentiated endometrial cancers are often associated with a less promising prognosis.
Demographics
The highest incidence of endometrial cancer in the United States is in Caucasians, Hawaiians, Japanese, and African Americans. American Indians, Koreans, and Vietnamese have the lowest incidence. African-American and Hawaiian women are more likely to be diagnosed with advanced cancer and, therefore, have a higher risk of dying from the disease.
Causes and symptoms
Although the exact cause of endometrial cancer is unknown, it is clear that high levels of estrogen, when not balanced by progesterone, can lead to abnormal growth of the endometrium. Factors that increase a woman's risk of developing endometrial cancer are:
* Age. The risk is considerably higher in women who are over the age of 50 and have gone through menopause.
* Obesity. Being overweight is a very strong risk factor for this cancer. Fatty tissue can change other normal body chemicals into estrogen, which can promote endometrial cancer.
* Estrogen replacement therapy. Women receiving estrogen supplements after menopause have a 12 times higher risk of getting endometrial cancer if progesterone is not taken simultaneously.
* Diabetes. Diabetics have twice the risk of getting this cancer as nondiabetic women. It is not clear if this risk is due to the fact that many diabetics are also obese and hypertensive. One 1998 study found that women who were obese and diabetic were three times more likely to develop endometrial cancer than women who were obese but nondiabetic. This study also found that nonobese diabetics were not at risk of developing endometrial cancer.
* Hypertension. High blood pressure (or hypertension) is also considered a risk factor for uterine cancer.
* Irregular menstrual periods. During the menstrual cycle, there is interaction between the hormones estrogen and progesterone. Women who do not ovulate regularly are exposed to high estrogen levels for longer periods of time. If a woman does not ovulate regularly, this delicate balance is upset and may increase her chances of getting uterine cancer.
* Early first menstruation or late menopause. Having the first period at a young age (a 1997 Pediatrics article identified the mean age of menses as 12.16 years in African-American girls and 12.88 years in white girls) or going through menopause at a late age (over age 51 according to a 2001 Prevention article) seem to put women at a slightly higher risk for developing endome-trial cancer.
* Tamoxifen . This drug, which is used to treat or prevent breast cancer , increases a woman's chance of developing endometrial cancer. Tamoxifen users tend to have more advanced endometrial cancer with an associated poorer survival rate than those who do not take the drug. In many cases, however, the value of tamoxifen for treating breast cancer and for preventing the cancer from spreading far outweighs the small risk of getting endometrial cancer.
* Family history. Some studies suggest that endometrial cancer runs in certain families. Women with inherited mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are at a higher risk of developing breast, ovarian, and other gynecologic cancers . Those with the hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer gene have a higher risk of developing endometrial cancer.
* Breast, ovarian, or colon cancer . Women who have a history of these other types of cancer are at an increased risk of developing endometrial cancer.
* Low parity or nulliparity. Endometrial cancer is more common in women who have born few (low parity) or no (nulliparity) children. The high levels of progesterone produced during pregnancy has a protective effect against endometrial cancer. The results of one study suggest that nulliparity is associated with a lower survival rate.
* Infertility. Risk is increased due to nulliparity or the use of fertility drugs.
* Polycystic ovary syndrome. The increased level of estrogen associated with this abnormality raises the risk of cancers of the breast and endometrium.
The most common symptom of endometrial cancer is unusual vaginal spotting, bleeding or discharge. In women who are near menopause (perimenopausal), symptoms of endometrial cancer could include bleeding between periods (intermenstrual bleeding), heavy bleeding that lasts for more than seven days, or short menstrual cycles (fewer than 21 days). For women who have gone through menopause, any vaginal bleeding or abnormal discharge is suspect. Pain in the pelvic region and the presence of a lump (mass) are symptoms that occur late in the disease.
Diagnosis
If endometrial cancer is suspected, a series of tests will be conducted to confirm the diagnosis. The first step will involve taking a complete personal and family medical history. A physical examination, which will include a thorough pelvic examination, will also be done.
The doctor may order an endometrial biopsy . This is generally performed in the doctor's office and does not require anesthesia. A thin, flexible tube is inserted through the cervix and into the uterus. A small piece of endometrial tissue is removed. The patient may experience some discomfort, which can be minimized by taking an anti-inflammatory medication (like Advil or Motrin) an hour before the procedure.
If an adequate amount of tissue was not obtained by the endometrial biopsy, or if the biopsy tissue looks abnormal but confirmation is needed, the doctor may perform a dilatation and curettage (D & C). This procedure is done in the outpatient surgery department of a hospital and takes about an hour. The patient may be given general anesthesia. The doctor dilates the cervix and uses a special instrument to scrape tissue from inside the uterus.
The tissue that is obtained from the biopsy or the D & C is sent to a laboratory for examination. If cancer is found, then the type of cancer will be determined. The treatment and prognosis depends on the type and stage of the cancer.
Transvaginal ultrasound may be used to measure the thickness of the endometrium. For this painless procedure, a wand-like ultrasound transducer is inserted into the vagina to enable visualization and measurement of the uterus, the thickness of the uterine lining, and other pelvic organs.
Other possible diagnostic procedures include sonohysterography and hysteroscopy. For sonohysteroscopy, a small tube is passed through the cervix and into the uterus. A small amount of a salt water (saline) solution is injected through the tube to open the space within the uterus and allow ultrasound visualization of the endometrium. For hysteroscopy, a wand-like camera is passed through the cervix to allow direct visualization of the endometrium. Both of these procedures cause discomfort, which may be reduced by taking an anti-inflammatory medication prior to the procedure.
Treatment team
The treatment team for endometrial cancer may include a gynecologist, gynecologic oncologist, surgeon, radiation oncologist, gynecologic nurse oncologist, sexual therapist, psychiatrist, psychological counselor, and social worker.
Clinical staging, treatments, and prognosis
Clinical staging
The International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) has adopted a staging system for endometrial cancer. The stage of cancer is determined after surgery. Endometrial cancer is categorized into four stages (I, II, III, and IV) which are subdivided (A, B, and possibly C) based on the depth or spread of cancerous tissue. Seventy percent of all uterine cancers are stage I, 10% to 15% are stage II, and the remainder are stages III and IV. The cancer is also graded (G1, G2, and G3) based upon microscopic analysis of the aggressiveness of the cancer cells.
The FIGO stages for endometrial cancer are:
* Stage I. Cancer is limited to the uterus.
* Stage II. Cancer involves the uterus and cervix.
* Stage III. Cancer has spread out of the uterus but is restricted to the pelvic region.
* Stage IV. Cancer has spread to the bladder, bowel, or other distant locations.
Treatments
The mainstay of treatment for most stages of endometrial cancer is surgery. Radiation therapy , hormonal therapy, and chemotherapy are additional treatments (called adjuvant therapy). The necessity of adjuvant therapy is a controversial topic which should be discussed with the patient's treatment team.
SURGERY.
Most women with endometrial cancer, except those with stage IV disease, are treated with hysterectomy. A simple hysterectomy involves the removal of the uterus. In a bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy with total hysterectomy, the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and uterus are removed. This may be necessary because endometrial cancer often spreads to the ovaries first. The lymph nodes in the pelvic region may also be biopsied or removed to check for metastasis . Hysterectomy is traditionally performed through an incision in the abdomen (laparotomy), however, endoscopic surgery (laparoscopy ) with vaginal hysterectomy is also being used. Women with stage I disease may require no further treatment. However, those with higher grade disease will receive adjuvant therapy.
RADIATION THERAPY.
The decision to use radiation therapy depends on the stage of the disease. Radiation therapy may be used before surgery (preoperatively) and/or after surgery (postoperatively). Radiation given from a machine that is outside the body is called external radiation therapy. Sometimes applicators containing radioactive compounds are placed inside the vagina or uterus. This is called internal radiation therapy or brachytherapy and requires hospitalization.
Side effects are common with radiation therapy. The skin in the treated area may become red and dry. Fatigue , upset stomach, diarrhea , and nausea are also common complaints. Radiation therapy in the pelvic area may cause the vagina to become narrow (vaginal stenosis), making intercourse painful. Premature menopause and some problems with urination may also occur.
CHEMOTHERAPY.
Chemotherapy is usually reserved for women with stage IV or recurrent disease because this therapy is not a very effective treatment for endome-trial cancer. The anticancer drugs are given by mouth or intravenously. Side effects include stomach upset, vomiting, appetite loss (anorexia ), hair loss (alopecia ), mouth or vaginal sores, fatigue, menstrual cycle changes, and premature menopause. There is also an increased chance of infections.
HORMONAL THERAPY.
Hormonal therapy uses drugs like progesterone to slow the growth of endometrial cells. These drugs are usually available as pills. This therapy is usually reserved for women with advanced or recurrent disease. Side effects include fatigue, fluid retention, and appetite and weight changes.
Prognosis
Because it is possible to detect endometrial cancer early, the chances of curing it are excellent. The five year survival rates for endometrial cancer by stage are: 90%, stage I; 60%, stage II; 40%, stage III; and 5%, stage IV. Endometrial cancer most often spreads to the lungs, liver, bones, brain, vagina, and certain lymph nodes.
Alternative and complementary therapies
Although alternative and complementary therapies are used by many cancer patients, very few controlled studies on the effectiveness of such therapies exist. Mind-body techniques such as prayer, biofeedback, visualization, meditation, and yoga, have not shown any effect in reducing cancer but they can reduce stress and lessen some of the side effects of cancer treatments. Clinical studies of hydrazine sulfate found that it had no effect on cancer and even worsened the health and well-being of the study subjects. One clinical study of the drug amygdalin (Laetrile) found that it had no effect on cancer. Laetrile can be toxic and has caused deaths. Shark cartilage, although highly touted as an effective cancer treatment, is an improbable therapy that has not been the subject of clinical study.
The American Cancer Society has found that the "metabolic diets" pose serious risk to the patient. The effectiveness of the macrobiotic, Gerson, and Kelley diets and the Manner metabolic therapy has not been scientifically proven. The FDA was unable to substantiate the anti-cancer claims made about the popular Cancell treatment.
There is no evidence for the effectiveness of most over-the-counter herbal cancer remedies. Some herbals have shown an anticancer effect. As shown in clinical studies, Polysaccharide krestin, from the mushroom Coriolus versicolor, has significant effectiveness against cancer. In a small study, the green alga Chlorella pyrenoidosa has been shown to have anticancer activity. In a few small studies, evening primrose oil has shown some benefit in the treatment of cancer.
For more comprehensive information, the patient should consult the book on complementary and alternative medicine published by the American Cancer Society listed in the Resources section.
Coping with cancer treatment
The patient should consult her treatment team regarding any side effects or complications of treatment. Vaginal stenosis can be prevented and treated by vaginal dilators, gentle douching, and sexual intercourse. A water-soluble lubricant may be used to make sexual intercourse more comfortable. Many of the side effects of chemotherapy can be relieved by medications. Women should consult a psychotherapist and/or join a support group to deal with the emotional consequences of cancer and hysterectomy.
Clinical trials
Because endometrial cancer is a common type of cancer there are many studies underway to optimize its treatment. Women should consult with their treatment team to determine if they are candidates for any ongoing studies.
Prevention
Women (especially postmenopausal women) should report any abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge to the doctor. Controlling obesity, blood pressure, and diabetes can help to reduce the risk of this disease. Women on estrogen replacement therapy have a substantially reduced risk of endometrial cancer if progestins are taken simultaneously. Long-term use of birth control pills has been shown to reduce the risk of this cancer. Women who have irregular periods may be prescribed birth control pills to help prevent endometrial cancer. Women who are taking tamoxifen and those who carry the hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer gene should be screened regularly, receiving annual pelvic examinations.
Special concerns
Of special concern to the young woman with endometrial cancer is the impact that a hysterectomy will have on her fertility, sexuality , and body image . Depression is common. Symptoms caused by the sudden onset of menopause, due to removal of the ovaries, can be more severe than with natural menopause. Estrogen replacement therapy is not commonly used due to the potential risk of cancer recurrence. Without estrogen replacement, osteoporosis becomes a concern and calcium supplements should be considered. Weight bearing exercise and alendronate (Fosamax) will also decrease the development rate of osteoporosis. Vaginal stenosis following radiation treatment is a concern.
Resources
BOOKS
Bruss, Katherine, Christina Salter, and Esmeralda Galan, eds. American Cancer Society's Guide to Complementary and Alternative Cancer Methods. Atlanta: American Cancer Society, 2000.
Burke, Thomas, Patricia Eifel, and Muggia Franco. "Cancers of the Uterine Body." In Cancer: Principles & Practice of Oncology, ed. Vincent DeVita, Samuel Hellman, and Steven Rosenberg. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2001, pp.1573- 86.
Long, Harry. "Carcinoma of the Endometrium." In Current Therapy in Cancer, ed. John Foley, Julie Vose, and James Armitage. Philadelphia: W. B. Saunders Company, 1999, pp.162-66.
Primack, Aron. "Complementary/Alternative Therapies in the Prevention and Treatment of Cancer." In Complementary/Alternative Medicine: An Evidence-Based Approach, ed. John Spencer and Joseph Jacobs. St. Louis: Mosby, 1999, pp.123-69.
Definition
Endometrial cancer develops when the cells that make up the inner lining of the uterus (the endometrium) become abnormal and grow uncontrollably.
Description
Endometrial cancer (also called uterine cancer) is the fourth most common type of cancer among women and the most common gynecologic cancer. Approximately 34, 000 women are diagnosed with endometrial cancer each year. In 1998, approximately 6, 300 women died from this cancer. Although endometrial cancer generally occurs in women who have gone through menopause and are 45 years of age or older, 30% of the women with endometrial cancer are younger than 40 years of age. The average age at diagnosis is 60 years old.
The uterus, or womb, is the hollow female organ that supports the development of the unborn baby during pregnancy. The uterus has a thick muscular wall and an inner lining called the endometrium. The endometrium is very sensitive to hormones and it changes daily during the menstrual cycle. The endometrium is designed to provide an ideal environment for the fertilized egg to implant and begin to grow. If pregnancy does not occur, the endometrium is shed causing the menstrual period.
More than 95% of uterine cancers arise in the endometrium. The most common type of uterine cancer is adenocarcinoma. It arises from an abnormal multiplication of endometrial cells (atypical adenomatous hyper-plasia) and is made up of mature, specialized cells (well-differentiated). Less commonly, endometrial cancer arises without a preceding hyperplasia and is made up of poorly differentiated cells. The more common of these types are the papillary serous and clear cell carcinomas. Poorly differentiated endometrial cancers are often associated with a less promising prognosis.
Demographics
The highest incidence of endometrial cancer in the United States is in Caucasians, Hawaiians, Japanese, and African Americans. American Indians, Koreans, and Vietnamese have the lowest incidence. African-American and Hawaiian women are more likely to be diagnosed with advanced cancer and, therefore, have a higher risk of dying from the disease.
Causes and symptoms
Although the exact cause of endometrial cancer is unknown, it is clear that high levels of estrogen, when not balanced by progesterone, can lead to abnormal growth of the endometrium. Factors that increase a woman's risk of developing endometrial cancer are:
* Age. The risk is considerably higher in women who are over the age of 50 and have gone through menopause.
* Obesity. Being overweight is a very strong risk factor for this cancer. Fatty tissue can change other normal body chemicals into estrogen, which can promote endometrial cancer.
* Estrogen replacement therapy. Women receiving estrogen supplements after menopause have a 12 times higher risk of getting endometrial cancer if progesterone is not taken simultaneously.
* Diabetes. Diabetics have twice the risk of getting this cancer as nondiabetic women. It is not clear if this risk is due to the fact that many diabetics are also obese and hypertensive. One 1998 study found that women who were obese and diabetic were three times more likely to develop endometrial cancer than women who were obese but nondiabetic. This study also found that nonobese diabetics were not at risk of developing endometrial cancer.
* Hypertension. High blood pressure (or hypertension) is also considered a risk factor for uterine cancer.
* Irregular menstrual periods. During the menstrual cycle, there is interaction between the hormones estrogen and progesterone. Women who do not ovulate regularly are exposed to high estrogen levels for longer periods of time. If a woman does not ovulate regularly, this delicate balance is upset and may increase her chances of getting uterine cancer.
* Early first menstruation or late menopause. Having the first period at a young age (a 1997 Pediatrics article identified the mean age of menses as 12.16 years in African-American girls and 12.88 years in white girls) or going through menopause at a late age (over age 51 according to a 2001 Prevention article) seem to put women at a slightly higher risk for developing endome-trial cancer.
* Tamoxifen . This drug, which is used to treat or prevent breast cancer , increases a woman's chance of developing endometrial cancer. Tamoxifen users tend to have more advanced endometrial cancer with an associated poorer survival rate than those who do not take the drug. In many cases, however, the value of tamoxifen for treating breast cancer and for preventing the cancer from spreading far outweighs the small risk of getting endometrial cancer.
* Family history. Some studies suggest that endometrial cancer runs in certain families. Women with inherited mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are at a higher risk of developing breast, ovarian, and other gynecologic cancers . Those with the hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer gene have a higher risk of developing endometrial cancer.
* Breast, ovarian, or colon cancer . Women who have a history of these other types of cancer are at an increased risk of developing endometrial cancer.
* Low parity or nulliparity. Endometrial cancer is more common in women who have born few (low parity) or no (nulliparity) children. The high levels of progesterone produced during pregnancy has a protective effect against endometrial cancer. The results of one study suggest that nulliparity is associated with a lower survival rate.
* Infertility. Risk is increased due to nulliparity or the use of fertility drugs.
* Polycystic ovary syndrome. The increased level of estrogen associated with this abnormality raises the risk of cancers of the breast and endometrium.
The most common symptom of endometrial cancer is unusual vaginal spotting, bleeding or discharge. In women who are near menopause (perimenopausal), symptoms of endometrial cancer could include bleeding between periods (intermenstrual bleeding), heavy bleeding that lasts for more than seven days, or short menstrual cycles (fewer than 21 days). For women who have gone through menopause, any vaginal bleeding or abnormal discharge is suspect. Pain in the pelvic region and the presence of a lump (mass) are symptoms that occur late in the disease.
Diagnosis
If endometrial cancer is suspected, a series of tests will be conducted to confirm the diagnosis. The first step will involve taking a complete personal and family medical history. A physical examination, which will include a thorough pelvic examination, will also be done.
The doctor may order an endometrial biopsy . This is generally performed in the doctor's office and does not require anesthesia. A thin, flexible tube is inserted through the cervix and into the uterus. A small piece of endometrial tissue is removed. The patient may experience some discomfort, which can be minimized by taking an anti-inflammatory medication (like Advil or Motrin) an hour before the procedure.
If an adequate amount of tissue was not obtained by the endometrial biopsy, or if the biopsy tissue looks abnormal but confirmation is needed, the doctor may perform a dilatation and curettage (D & C). This procedure is done in the outpatient surgery department of a hospital and takes about an hour. The patient may be given general anesthesia. The doctor dilates the cervix and uses a special instrument to scrape tissue from inside the uterus.
The tissue that is obtained from the biopsy or the D & C is sent to a laboratory for examination. If cancer is found, then the type of cancer will be determined. The treatment and prognosis depends on the type and stage of the cancer.
Transvaginal ultrasound may be used to measure the thickness of the endometrium. For this painless procedure, a wand-like ultrasound transducer is inserted into the vagina to enable visualization and measurement of the uterus, the thickness of the uterine lining, and other pelvic organs.
Other possible diagnostic procedures include sonohysterography and hysteroscopy. For sonohysteroscopy, a small tube is passed through the cervix and into the uterus. A small amount of a salt water (saline) solution is injected through the tube to open the space within the uterus and allow ultrasound visualization of the endometrium. For hysteroscopy, a wand-like camera is passed through the cervix to allow direct visualization of the endometrium. Both of these procedures cause discomfort, which may be reduced by taking an anti-inflammatory medication prior to the procedure.
Treatment team
The treatment team for endometrial cancer may include a gynecologist, gynecologic oncologist, surgeon, radiation oncologist, gynecologic nurse oncologist, sexual therapist, psychiatrist, psychological counselor, and social worker.
Clinical staging, treatments, and prognosis
Clinical staging
The International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) has adopted a staging system for endometrial cancer. The stage of cancer is determined after surgery. Endometrial cancer is categorized into four stages (I, II, III, and IV) which are subdivided (A, B, and possibly C) based on the depth or spread of cancerous tissue. Seventy percent of all uterine cancers are stage I, 10% to 15% are stage II, and the remainder are stages III and IV. The cancer is also graded (G1, G2, and G3) based upon microscopic analysis of the aggressiveness of the cancer cells.
The FIGO stages for endometrial cancer are:
* Stage I. Cancer is limited to the uterus.
* Stage II. Cancer involves the uterus and cervix.
* Stage III. Cancer has spread out of the uterus but is restricted to the pelvic region.
* Stage IV. Cancer has spread to the bladder, bowel, or other distant locations.
Treatments
The mainstay of treatment for most stages of endometrial cancer is surgery. Radiation therapy , hormonal therapy, and chemotherapy are additional treatments (called adjuvant therapy). The necessity of adjuvant therapy is a controversial topic which should be discussed with the patient's treatment team.
SURGERY.
Most women with endometrial cancer, except those with stage IV disease, are treated with hysterectomy. A simple hysterectomy involves the removal of the uterus. In a bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy with total hysterectomy, the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and uterus are removed. This may be necessary because endometrial cancer often spreads to the ovaries first. The lymph nodes in the pelvic region may also be biopsied or removed to check for metastasis . Hysterectomy is traditionally performed through an incision in the abdomen (laparotomy), however, endoscopic surgery (laparoscopy ) with vaginal hysterectomy is also being used. Women with stage I disease may require no further treatment. However, those with higher grade disease will receive adjuvant therapy.
RADIATION THERAPY.
The decision to use radiation therapy depends on the stage of the disease. Radiation therapy may be used before surgery (preoperatively) and/or after surgery (postoperatively). Radiation given from a machine that is outside the body is called external radiation therapy. Sometimes applicators containing radioactive compounds are placed inside the vagina or uterus. This is called internal radiation therapy or brachytherapy and requires hospitalization.
Side effects are common with radiation therapy. The skin in the treated area may become red and dry. Fatigue , upset stomach, diarrhea , and nausea are also common complaints. Radiation therapy in the pelvic area may cause the vagina to become narrow (vaginal stenosis), making intercourse painful. Premature menopause and some problems with urination may also occur.
CHEMOTHERAPY.
Chemotherapy is usually reserved for women with stage IV or recurrent disease because this therapy is not a very effective treatment for endome-trial cancer. The anticancer drugs are given by mouth or intravenously. Side effects include stomach upset, vomiting, appetite loss (anorexia ), hair loss (alopecia ), mouth or vaginal sores, fatigue, menstrual cycle changes, and premature menopause. There is also an increased chance of infections.
HORMONAL THERAPY.
Hormonal therapy uses drugs like progesterone to slow the growth of endometrial cells. These drugs are usually available as pills. This therapy is usually reserved for women with advanced or recurrent disease. Side effects include fatigue, fluid retention, and appetite and weight changes.
Prognosis
Because it is possible to detect endometrial cancer early, the chances of curing it are excellent. The five year survival rates for endometrial cancer by stage are: 90%, stage I; 60%, stage II; 40%, stage III; and 5%, stage IV. Endometrial cancer most often spreads to the lungs, liver, bones, brain, vagina, and certain lymph nodes.
Alternative and complementary therapies
Although alternative and complementary therapies are used by many cancer patients, very few controlled studies on the effectiveness of such therapies exist. Mind-body techniques such as prayer, biofeedback, visualization, meditation, and yoga, have not shown any effect in reducing cancer but they can reduce stress and lessen some of the side effects of cancer treatments. Clinical studies of hydrazine sulfate found that it had no effect on cancer and even worsened the health and well-being of the study subjects. One clinical study of the drug amygdalin (Laetrile) found that it had no effect on cancer. Laetrile can be toxic and has caused deaths. Shark cartilage, although highly touted as an effective cancer treatment, is an improbable therapy that has not been the subject of clinical study.
The American Cancer Society has found that the "metabolic diets" pose serious risk to the patient. The effectiveness of the macrobiotic, Gerson, and Kelley diets and the Manner metabolic therapy has not been scientifically proven. The FDA was unable to substantiate the anti-cancer claims made about the popular Cancell treatment.
There is no evidence for the effectiveness of most over-the-counter herbal cancer remedies. Some herbals have shown an anticancer effect. As shown in clinical studies, Polysaccharide krestin, from the mushroom Coriolus versicolor, has significant effectiveness against cancer. In a small study, the green alga Chlorella pyrenoidosa has been shown to have anticancer activity. In a few small studies, evening primrose oil has shown some benefit in the treatment of cancer.
For more comprehensive information, the patient should consult the book on complementary and alternative medicine published by the American Cancer Society listed in the Resources section.
Coping with cancer treatment
The patient should consult her treatment team regarding any side effects or complications of treatment. Vaginal stenosis can be prevented and treated by vaginal dilators, gentle douching, and sexual intercourse. A water-soluble lubricant may be used to make sexual intercourse more comfortable. Many of the side effects of chemotherapy can be relieved by medications. Women should consult a psychotherapist and/or join a support group to deal with the emotional consequences of cancer and hysterectomy.
Clinical trials
Because endometrial cancer is a common type of cancer there are many studies underway to optimize its treatment. Women should consult with their treatment team to determine if they are candidates for any ongoing studies.
Prevention
Women (especially postmenopausal women) should report any abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge to the doctor. Controlling obesity, blood pressure, and diabetes can help to reduce the risk of this disease. Women on estrogen replacement therapy have a substantially reduced risk of endometrial cancer if progestins are taken simultaneously. Long-term use of birth control pills has been shown to reduce the risk of this cancer. Women who have irregular periods may be prescribed birth control pills to help prevent endometrial cancer. Women who are taking tamoxifen and those who carry the hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer gene should be screened regularly, receiving annual pelvic examinations.
Special concerns
Of special concern to the young woman with endometrial cancer is the impact that a hysterectomy will have on her fertility, sexuality , and body image . Depression is common. Symptoms caused by the sudden onset of menopause, due to removal of the ovaries, can be more severe than with natural menopause. Estrogen replacement therapy is not commonly used due to the potential risk of cancer recurrence. Without estrogen replacement, osteoporosis becomes a concern and calcium supplements should be considered. Weight bearing exercise and alendronate (Fosamax) will also decrease the development rate of osteoporosis. Vaginal stenosis following radiation treatment is a concern.
Resources
BOOKS
Bruss, Katherine, Christina Salter, and Esmeralda Galan, eds. American Cancer Society's Guide to Complementary and Alternative Cancer Methods. Atlanta: American Cancer Society, 2000.
Burke, Thomas, Patricia Eifel, and Muggia Franco. "Cancers of the Uterine Body." In Cancer: Principles & Practice of Oncology, ed. Vincent DeVita, Samuel Hellman, and Steven Rosenberg. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2001, pp.1573- 86.
Long, Harry. "Carcinoma of the Endometrium." In Current Therapy in Cancer, ed. John Foley, Julie Vose, and James Armitage. Philadelphia: W. B. Saunders Company, 1999, pp.162-66.
Primack, Aron. "Complementary/Alternative Therapies in the Prevention and Treatment of Cancer." In Complementary/Alternative Medicine: An Evidence-Based Approach, ed. John Spencer and Joseph Jacobs. St. Louis: Mosby, 1999, pp.123-69.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)