Symptoms & Types
Do you know the common depression symptoms? Do you know about different types of depression? Learn more about depression so you can talk openly with your doctor. Find out the warning signs of more serious depression problems so you can prevent depression complications.
Symptoms
Symptoms of Depression
Are you depressed? The symptoms of depression may surprise you. Read more and see if you or a loved one suffers with depression.
Types
Depression Types
All depression types are not the same. Learn about the different types of depression, the signs and symptoms, and talk to your doctor about treatment.
Major Depression
Read about the causes and symptoms of major depression and the available treatments. Talk openly with your doctor if you have these major depression symptoms because help is available.
Chronic Depression (Dysthymia)
Chronic depression or dysthymia is a milder form of depression that affects millions. Find out if you or a loved one has chronic depression.
Atypical Depression
Many people with depression don't have the typical symptoms. Learn about the causes and treatment of atypical depression, with symptoms that include weight gain, sleeping too much, and feeling anxious.
Postpartum Depression
Postpartum depression is increasingly common. Discover the signs and symptoms of postpartum depression and seek early medical treatment to keep it from affecting your life.
Bipolar Depression (Manic Depression)
Learn all about the mood swings of bipolar depression (manic depression) from the elated highs of mania to the major depression lows.
Seasonal Depression (SAD)
Do you get depressed during certain times of the year? Learn when seasonal affective disorder is most likely to affect people and what your doctor can do to help you manage the symptoms.
Psychotic Depression
Learn all about psychotic depression -- psychosis, hallucinations, and other signs -- and know when to call the doctor for a medical evaluation.
Complications
Depression Complications
From chronic illnesses such as heart disease to pain perception, sex, and sleep -- discover how untreated depression can complicate your life.
Sexual Problems
What does depression have to do with sex? Learn how depression and depression medicines can affect sexual desire and sexual performance.
Sleep Problems
Find out how depression disturbs sleep and get some effective tips to help your sleep problems.
Warning Signs
Untreated Depression
Learn the dangers of untreated depression and how this may lead to serious and life threatening problems, even suicide.
Depression and Suicide
Learn more about suicide, including who is at risk, warning signs, and when to call for medical assistance.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
TOP TEN CHOLESTEROL LOWERING FOODS
Apples: Apple pectin is a soluble fiber that helps draw cholesterol out of the system. The flavonoids (Quercetin) in apples act as a powerful anti-oxidant that seems to short-circuit the process that leads “bad” LDL cholesterol to accumulate in the bloodstream.
Beans: Beans and vegetables are an excellent source of soluble fiber and high in vegetable protein. By properly combing beans with brown rice, seeds, corn, wheat you can create a complete protein. Properly combined beans become an excellent substitute for red meat protein that is high in saturated fat.
Brown Rice: The oil in whole brown rice, not its fiber, lowers cholesterol. Brown rice can be combined with beans to form an inexpensive complete protein low in saturated fat. In addition, this whole grain also supplies good doses of heart-healthy fiber, magnesium and B vitamins.
Cinnamon: A study published in the journal Diabetes Care found that half a teaspoon of cinnamon a day significantly reduces blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. It also reduces triglyceride, LDL, the bad cholesterol and the total cholesterol level.
Garlic: Garlic contains the chemical allicin, which has been shown to kill bacteria and fungi, and alleviate certain digestive disorders. It also lowers the blood clotting properties of blood. But the most notable attention garlic has received over recent years is its possible usefulness in lowering cholesterol levels.
Grapes: Flavonoids in grapes protect LDL cholesterol from free radical damage and reduce platelet clumping. The LDL lowering effect of grapes comes from a compound that grapes produce normally to resist mold. The darker the grape, the better.
Oats: Oatmeal contains soluble fiber, which reduces your low-density lipoprotein (LDL), the “bad” cholesterol. Five to 10 grams of soluble fiber a day decreases LDL cholesterol by about 5 percent. Eating 1.5 cups of cooked oatmeal provides 4.5 grams of fiber — enough to lower your cholesterol.
Salmon: The major health components in salmon include: Omega 3 fatty-acid and protein. These components have a favorable cardiovascular effect. The American Heart Association recommends that people include at least two servings of fish/week, particularly fatty fish (salmon, tuna, mackerel, sardines, anchovies and herring), in their diets.
Soy: The top health promoting components in soybeans are isoflavones and soluble fiber. Isoflavones act like human hormone that can lower LDL cholesterol and raise HDL cholesterol. All soy products (soybeans, soy nuts, tofu, tempeh, soy milk, etc.) are complete proteins.
Walnuts: Walnuts can significantly reduce blood cholesterol because they are rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids. Walnuts also help keep blood vessels healthy and elastic. Almonds appear to have a similar effect, resulting in a marked improvement within just four weeks. A cholesterol-lowering diet with a little less than 1/3 of a cup of walnuts/day may reduce LDL cholesterol by 12 percent
Beans: Beans and vegetables are an excellent source of soluble fiber and high in vegetable protein. By properly combing beans with brown rice, seeds, corn, wheat you can create a complete protein. Properly combined beans become an excellent substitute for red meat protein that is high in saturated fat.
Brown Rice: The oil in whole brown rice, not its fiber, lowers cholesterol. Brown rice can be combined with beans to form an inexpensive complete protein low in saturated fat. In addition, this whole grain also supplies good doses of heart-healthy fiber, magnesium and B vitamins.
Cinnamon: A study published in the journal Diabetes Care found that half a teaspoon of cinnamon a day significantly reduces blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. It also reduces triglyceride, LDL, the bad cholesterol and the total cholesterol level.
Garlic: Garlic contains the chemical allicin, which has been shown to kill bacteria and fungi, and alleviate certain digestive disorders. It also lowers the blood clotting properties of blood. But the most notable attention garlic has received over recent years is its possible usefulness in lowering cholesterol levels.
Grapes: Flavonoids in grapes protect LDL cholesterol from free radical damage and reduce platelet clumping. The LDL lowering effect of grapes comes from a compound that grapes produce normally to resist mold. The darker the grape, the better.
Oats: Oatmeal contains soluble fiber, which reduces your low-density lipoprotein (LDL), the “bad” cholesterol. Five to 10 grams of soluble fiber a day decreases LDL cholesterol by about 5 percent. Eating 1.5 cups of cooked oatmeal provides 4.5 grams of fiber — enough to lower your cholesterol.
Salmon: The major health components in salmon include: Omega 3 fatty-acid and protein. These components have a favorable cardiovascular effect. The American Heart Association recommends that people include at least two servings of fish/week, particularly fatty fish (salmon, tuna, mackerel, sardines, anchovies and herring), in their diets.
Soy: The top health promoting components in soybeans are isoflavones and soluble fiber. Isoflavones act like human hormone that can lower LDL cholesterol and raise HDL cholesterol. All soy products (soybeans, soy nuts, tofu, tempeh, soy milk, etc.) are complete proteins.
Walnuts: Walnuts can significantly reduce blood cholesterol because they are rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids. Walnuts also help keep blood vessels healthy and elastic. Almonds appear to have a similar effect, resulting in a marked improvement within just four weeks. A cholesterol-lowering diet with a little less than 1/3 of a cup of walnuts/day may reduce LDL cholesterol by 12 percent
Monday, November 24, 2008
HOME REMEDIES FOR CHOLESTEROL
(src: American Heart Association www.americanheart.org)
Some common Home Remedies for reducing Cholesterol
Guggul, also known as Guggulipid, is a standardized extract from the Commiphora mukul tree, which is native to India. Research has shown that by increasing the breakdown of LDL cholesterol in the liver, it can lower LDL cholesterol levels by 25-35%. Guggulipid can also lower total cholesterol by 14-27%, triglycerides by 22-30%, and increase HDL cholesterol by approximately 20%.
Intake of half teaspoon of Psyllum husk(Ishabgul) herb with milk at bedtime helps in control the level of cholesterol.
Take the diet in excess quantity of fibres are present which will give relief from hogh blood cholesterol.
Yogasanas like ardhamatsyaendrasana, shalabhansan, padmasana and vajrasana will give relief after few days.
Take 2-5gm of sunflower seeds with water also reduce the level of high blood cholesterol. Ginger reduces the level of cholesterol.
Terminalia arjuna (Arjun) The bark of arjun tree is useful as an anti-ischemic and cardioprotective agent in hypertension and ischemic heart diseases. It reduces the level of triglycerides and cholesterol and has been reported to enhance the synthesis of LDL-apoprotein (apoB); inhibits the oxidation of LDL and accelerates the turnover of LDL-cholesterol in liver. This enhances the elimination of cholesterol from the body.Arjun is usually available as a single herb or in combination with other herbs like Guggul and Amla for better effect.
The Top FOUR Most Important:
Policosanol: The main benefit of Policosanol is that it appears to work by blocking the body's absorption of cholesterol. Policosanol reduced LDL cholesterol between 21.1% and 31.8% as reported in a recent study. It has also been shown in studies to normalize cholesterol, as well as, or better than statin drugs and without the negative side effects. In addition to its cholesterol reducing benefits, it also appears to inhibit the oxidation of LDL. Oxidized LDL creates a chronic inflammatory response that promotes the destruction of blood vessels.
Niacin: Niacin treatment is a natural cholesterol-lowering agent that alone has been shown to outperform prescriptive drugs in mild and even moderate cases! It helps your body to work on the cellular level and improves circulation, promotes healthy skin, and the sound functioning of your nervous system. The Niacin benefit is reducing total cholesterol, LDL and triglyceride levels, and while at the same time raising HDL levels. Niacin Cholesterol Support!
Gugulipid: Gugulipid is effective because it lowers serum cholesterol and triglycerides. Guggul contains powerful isolates known as Gugulipids and are very successful in lowering lipid levels. It also decreases the “stickiness” of platelets to further help lower your risk of coronary artery disease and strokes.
Plant Sterol Complex: Beta-Sitosterol (Plant Phytosterol) is chemically similar to that of cholesterol. Plant sterols have been shown to lower the bad cholesterol levels by reducing the absorption of dietary and biliary cholesterol.
Some common Home Remedies for reducing Cholesterol
Guggul, also known as Guggulipid, is a standardized extract from the Commiphora mukul tree, which is native to India. Research has shown that by increasing the breakdown of LDL cholesterol in the liver, it can lower LDL cholesterol levels by 25-35%. Guggulipid can also lower total cholesterol by 14-27%, triglycerides by 22-30%, and increase HDL cholesterol by approximately 20%.
Intake of half teaspoon of Psyllum husk(Ishabgul) herb with milk at bedtime helps in control the level of cholesterol.
Take the diet in excess quantity of fibres are present which will give relief from hogh blood cholesterol.
Yogasanas like ardhamatsyaendrasana, shalabhansan, padmasana and vajrasana will give relief after few days.
Take 2-5gm of sunflower seeds with water also reduce the level of high blood cholesterol. Ginger reduces the level of cholesterol.
Terminalia arjuna (Arjun) The bark of arjun tree is useful as an anti-ischemic and cardioprotective agent in hypertension and ischemic heart diseases. It reduces the level of triglycerides and cholesterol and has been reported to enhance the synthesis of LDL-apoprotein (apoB); inhibits the oxidation of LDL and accelerates the turnover of LDL-cholesterol in liver. This enhances the elimination of cholesterol from the body.Arjun is usually available as a single herb or in combination with other herbs like Guggul and Amla for better effect.
The Top FOUR Most Important:
Policosanol: The main benefit of Policosanol is that it appears to work by blocking the body's absorption of cholesterol. Policosanol reduced LDL cholesterol between 21.1% and 31.8% as reported in a recent study. It has also been shown in studies to normalize cholesterol, as well as, or better than statin drugs and without the negative side effects. In addition to its cholesterol reducing benefits, it also appears to inhibit the oxidation of LDL. Oxidized LDL creates a chronic inflammatory response that promotes the destruction of blood vessels.
Niacin: Niacin treatment is a natural cholesterol-lowering agent that alone has been shown to outperform prescriptive drugs in mild and even moderate cases! It helps your body to work on the cellular level and improves circulation, promotes healthy skin, and the sound functioning of your nervous system. The Niacin benefit is reducing total cholesterol, LDL and triglyceride levels, and while at the same time raising HDL levels. Niacin Cholesterol Support!
Gugulipid: Gugulipid is effective because it lowers serum cholesterol and triglycerides. Guggul contains powerful isolates known as Gugulipids and are very successful in lowering lipid levels. It also decreases the “stickiness” of platelets to further help lower your risk of coronary artery disease and strokes.
Plant Sterol Complex: Beta-Sitosterol (Plant Phytosterol) is chemically similar to that of cholesterol. Plant sterols have been shown to lower the bad cholesterol levels by reducing the absorption of dietary and biliary cholesterol.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
NATURAL PRODUCTS THAT CAN TREAT CHOLESTEROL
Herbs and other natural products have been around alot longer than the standard prescription drugs used today to control high cholesterol. They are usually derived from plants, trees, and other sources. Unfortunately, herbal drugs are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, so you have to be careful about what other chemicals are in the pills you are taking besides the herb that you want to take. This is especially true of herbal drugs manufactured in foreign countries, which will actually put a prescription drug, like a statin drug, into the pill with the herb without listing it in the ingredients section. So, be careful, and consult your health care practitioner before you start any type of herbal drug, because it might interfere with other medications you are taking.
There are many natural products that can be used as an alternative to treating high cholesterol. This may be especially optimal to patients who are regulating their cholesterol levels with diet and exercise. Natural products reduce cholesterol levels by dissolving fat in the blood. Although much research has gone into evaluating which natural products are more helpful in reducing cholesterol levels, the exact mechanism by which it does this is not completely understood.
Types of Natural Products Effective in Lowering Cholesterol Levels
The following list includes natural products that have been noted to reduce cholesterol levels through research. Although natural products are regulated by the FDA, many of these drugs have not undergone extensive investigation required to list them as legitimate cholesterol-lowering agents. Therefore, as with any new regimen, consult with your health care practitioner before beginning any of these.
•B Vitamins, besides niacin, decrease the rate at which LDL is damaged through oxidation.
•Carnitine has been seen to increase HDL levels, therefore decreasing total cholesterol levels.
•Chromium has been seen to reduce LDL levels and increase HDL levels.
•Coenzyme Q10 has been noted to reduce total cholesterol serum levels.
•Fiber can be obtained through fiber supplements or through foods such as whole grains and vegetables. It is thought that fiber binds to cholesterol in the small intestine and preventing cholesterol absorption into the bloodstream.
•Garlic has been widely studies for its cholesterol-lowering properties.
•Grape Seed Extract has been noted to reduce total cholesterol serum levels.
•Pantothine has been seen to increase HDL levels, therefore decreasing total cholesterol levels.
•Red yeast rice contains a natural form of lovastatin (Mevacor®). Although effective, this natural product is not regulated by the FDA, so the dosage may vary from pill to pill.
•Royal Jelly has been seen to lower cholesterol levels by reducing some of the cholesterol-elevating effects of nicotine.
•Soy has been shown to reduce total cholesterol levels
•Vitamin C has been noted to slightly reduce cholesterol levels.
There are many natural products that can be used as an alternative to treating high cholesterol. This may be especially optimal to patients who are regulating their cholesterol levels with diet and exercise. Natural products reduce cholesterol levels by dissolving fat in the blood. Although much research has gone into evaluating which natural products are more helpful in reducing cholesterol levels, the exact mechanism by which it does this is not completely understood.
Types of Natural Products Effective in Lowering Cholesterol Levels
The following list includes natural products that have been noted to reduce cholesterol levels through research. Although natural products are regulated by the FDA, many of these drugs have not undergone extensive investigation required to list them as legitimate cholesterol-lowering agents. Therefore, as with any new regimen, consult with your health care practitioner before beginning any of these.
•B Vitamins, besides niacin, decrease the rate at which LDL is damaged through oxidation.
•Carnitine has been seen to increase HDL levels, therefore decreasing total cholesterol levels.
•Chromium has been seen to reduce LDL levels and increase HDL levels.
•Coenzyme Q10 has been noted to reduce total cholesterol serum levels.
•Fiber can be obtained through fiber supplements or through foods such as whole grains and vegetables. It is thought that fiber binds to cholesterol in the small intestine and preventing cholesterol absorption into the bloodstream.
•Garlic has been widely studies for its cholesterol-lowering properties.
•Grape Seed Extract has been noted to reduce total cholesterol serum levels.
•Pantothine has been seen to increase HDL levels, therefore decreasing total cholesterol levels.
•Red yeast rice contains a natural form of lovastatin (Mevacor®). Although effective, this natural product is not regulated by the FDA, so the dosage may vary from pill to pill.
•Royal Jelly has been seen to lower cholesterol levels by reducing some of the cholesterol-elevating effects of nicotine.
•Soy has been shown to reduce total cholesterol levels
•Vitamin C has been noted to slightly reduce cholesterol levels.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
HEART ATTACK : FIRST AID
A heart attack occurs when an artery supplying your heart with blood and oxygen becomes blocked. This loss of blood flow injures your heart muscle. A heart attack generally causes chest pain for more than 15 minutes, but it can also be "silent" and have no symptoms at all.
Many people who suffer a heart attack have warning symptoms hours, days or weeks in advance. The earliest predictor of an attack may be recurrent chest pain that's triggered by exertion and relieved by rest (angina).
Someone having an attack may experience any or all of the following:
Uncomfortable pressure, fullness or squeezing pain in the center of the chest. The pain might last several minutes or come and go. It may be triggered by exertion and relieved by rest.
Prolonged pain in the upper abdomen.
Discomfort or pain spreading beyond the chest to the shoulders, neck, jaw, teeth, or one or both arms.
Shortness of breath.
Lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting.
Sweating.
Nausea.
If you or someone else may be having a heart attack:
Dial 911 or your local emergency medical assistance number. Don't tough out the symptoms of a heart attack for more than five minutes. If you don't have access to emergency medical services, have a neighbor or a friend drive you to the nearest hospital. Police or fire-rescue units also may be a source of transportation. Drive yourself only as a last resort, if there are absolutely no other options, and realize that it places you and others at risk when you drive under these circumstances.
Chew and swallow an aspirin, unless you're allergic to aspirin or have been told by your doctor never to take aspirin. But seek emergency help first, such as calling 911.
Take nitroglycerin, if prescribed. If you think you're having a heart attack and your doctor has previously prescribed nitroglycerin for you, take it as directed. Do not take anyone else's nitroglycerin, because that could put you in more danger.
Begin CPR. If you're with a person who might be having a heart attack and he or she is unconscious, tell the 911 dispatcher or another emergency medical specialist. You may be advised to begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). If you haven't received CPR training, doctors recommend skipping mouth-to-mouth rescue breathing and proceeding directly to chest compression. The dispatcher can instruct you in the proper procedures until help arrives.
Many people who suffer a heart attack have warning symptoms hours, days or weeks in advance. The earliest predictor of an attack may be recurrent chest pain that's triggered by exertion and relieved by rest (angina).
Someone having an attack may experience any or all of the following:
Uncomfortable pressure, fullness or squeezing pain in the center of the chest. The pain might last several minutes or come and go. It may be triggered by exertion and relieved by rest.
Prolonged pain in the upper abdomen.
Discomfort or pain spreading beyond the chest to the shoulders, neck, jaw, teeth, or one or both arms.
Shortness of breath.
Lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting.
Sweating.
Nausea.
If you or someone else may be having a heart attack:
Dial 911 or your local emergency medical assistance number. Don't tough out the symptoms of a heart attack for more than five minutes. If you don't have access to emergency medical services, have a neighbor or a friend drive you to the nearest hospital. Police or fire-rescue units also may be a source of transportation. Drive yourself only as a last resort, if there are absolutely no other options, and realize that it places you and others at risk when you drive under these circumstances.
Chew and swallow an aspirin, unless you're allergic to aspirin or have been told by your doctor never to take aspirin. But seek emergency help first, such as calling 911.
Take nitroglycerin, if prescribed. If you think you're having a heart attack and your doctor has previously prescribed nitroglycerin for you, take it as directed. Do not take anyone else's nitroglycerin, because that could put you in more danger.
Begin CPR. If you're with a person who might be having a heart attack and he or she is unconscious, tell the 911 dispatcher or another emergency medical specialist. You may be advised to begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). If you haven't received CPR training, doctors recommend skipping mouth-to-mouth rescue breathing and proceeding directly to chest compression. The dispatcher can instruct you in the proper procedures until help arrives.
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