Shingles is an extremely painful viral condition that affects the nerve endings in the skin. It can affect people of any age, however is most common in those over 50.

Symptoms

• Painful rash with reddened skin and blisters that follow the path of a nerve
• 3-4 days of slight fever, chills, upset stomach and body aches may precede the outbreak of the blisters
• Painful skin sensations described as burning, tingling, itching, or prickling are then followed by the development of an inflamed red rash which is very sensitive to touch; the pain remains and may be continuous or intermittent
• The blisters, rash and tenderness usually occur on only one side of your face or body
• May be accompanied by numbness, headache, fever, depression
• After 7-14 days, the blisters form scabs and drop off, although more serious cases may last longer and pain can persist for months or even years in rare cases

Causes

The same virus that causes chickenpox (Herpes zoster), causes shingles. People who have had chickenpox are usually immune from getting it again. However, the virus stays in the system, lying dormant in the spinal cord and nerve tissue, and may be re-activated years later causing shingles.

Situations that affect the immune system, such as serious illness, stress or trauma, can cause the virus to be re-activated. The virus spreads to the ends of the nerves where it causes them to send pain signals to the brain. This nerve irritation is the source of the symptoms of burning, shooting, tingling pain and the extreme skin sensitivity.

Shingles is a serious condition that should always be treated by a healthcare professional. Treatment is aimed at relieving the symptoms.

Calamine lotion and wet compresses are helpful to soothe the itch.

Natural Therapies

• Echinacea helps strengthen the immune system and may assist your body in fighting the infection; the antioxidant nutrients betacarotene, vitamins C and E and the minerals zinc and selenium may also be of assistance
• The minerals magnesium and potassium are supportive to the nervous system and may help to reduce nerve pain
• The herb hypericum traditionally used for the nerve pain that can be experienced in shingles

Lifestyle Factors

Varying the ratio of certain amino acids in the diet is beneficial. A diet high in L-lysine and low in L-arginine is recommended. To achieve this you need to avoid foods such as chocolate, cereal grains, nuts, and seeds which are rich in L-arginine, and at the same time increase foods, high in the amino acid L-lysine, such as vegetables, legumes, fish, turkey and chicken.

Some people find that a short period (10-15 minutes) of sunlight daily can help to heal the blisters.

Remedy

To avoid further infection, avoid itching or scratching the blisters, but be sure to maintain good hygiene practices and wash them gently every day.

Get plenty of rest and avoid stress, which is weakening to your immune system.

Important Notes

Seek medical assistance urgently if the shingles appear on the face, particularly near the nostrils or eyes.

You should also consult your healthcare professional if your rash persists for longer than 10 days without improvement, or if the blisters become infected (swollen or pustular).

Source: www.blackmores.com.au

Infections results from invading organisms such as bacteria and viruses.

Symptoms

The symptoms of infection depend on its location and the type of organism which has created it. Common symptoms include:

• Fever and chills
• Sweating
• Headache
• Muscle ache
• Fatigue
• Redness, swelling, heat or streaks around a wound

Causes

Infections are caused by bacteria and viruses trying to invade our bodies. Once they have taken up residence in the body, they try to reproduce and survive. Most of these organisms are detected and quickly dealt with by our immune systems before they have time to take hold.

Those that survive do so by preying on healthy cells and tissue. The process of invasion, growth, and our body’s reaction to the organism is what is meant by the term infection.

Our body’s quick (immune) response usually stops all infections. However, sometimes this does not occur as the body’s immune system is weak and not functioning as it should.

Recurrent or chronic infections, even very mild colds, are signs the immune system is weakened. This can be caused by chronic ill-health, poor dietary habits, stress, smoking and exposure to allergens.

The means by which infections are transferred from one person to another (or from one part of the body to another), are largely related to hygiene and include exposure to droplets from sneezing or coughing, sharing eating utensils and towels, and not washing the hands after going to the toilet.

Natural Therapies

• Andrographis & Garlic are herbs which can help heal minor infections
• Boosting your immunity with Echinacea during winter or when you are run-down is also a good idea; an antioxidant supplement containing vitamins A, C, E, zinc and selenium will also be beneficial for your immune system
• The topical use of products containing Tea tree oil can help heal skin infections such as acne

Lifestyle Factors

Rest is an important part of curing an infection. Listen to your body and don’t try to do more than you are capable of. Try to relax and rest as much as possible.

Eat a light diet of fresh fruits and vegetables when you have an infection – especially the foods rich in vitamin C (citrus fruits), vitamin E (wheatgerm, seeds and seed oils), vitamin A (red, yellow or orange coloured fruits and vegetables, or dark-green leafy vegetables).

Maintaining your body fluids by drinking lots of filtered water and diluted fresh fruit juices will help to prevent dehydration. Alcohol, caffeine and other diuretic substances should be avoided.

Smoking whilst you have an infection will make it harder for your body to heal itself. If you must smoke, remember to take extra vitamin C.

Remedy

Practice good personal hygiene and avoid kissing or sharing utensils with others who are sick. Remember to extend your hygiene practices to your food – particularly meat products, and don’t eat food prepared under unhygienic conditions.

If you are prone to recurrent infection, supplement your diet with vitamin C, an antioxidant supplement, or the herb Echinacea.

Don’t push yourself too hard. Taking rest when you need it will reduce the likelihood of becoming run down and vulnerable to infection. Remember that feelings and symptoms of stress are your body’s way of telling you that it’s not coping.

Important Notes

Recurrent infections are common in those with depleted immunity (for example those with HIV or chronic fatigue syndrome), and in those taking immuno-suppressive drugs. Consult with your healthcare professional for more information.

You should also consult your healthcare professional if you or your child develops a high fever, or if your infection fails to respond to treatment.

Source: www.blackmores.com.au

Hypoglycaemia, or blood sugar imbalance, is very common in the modern world – most people are familiar with the mid-afternoon energy slump which disappears after eating something sweet.Sugar and carbohydrate cravings, accompanied by fatigue and swings in mood, concentration and energy levels, could be symptoms of mild blood sugar imbalance.

Symptoms

A more serious episode of hypoglycaemia may be signalled by:

• Weakness
• Heavy sweating – sometimes the perspiration will make the person feel very cold
• Hunger
• Nervousness and irritability
• Dizziness, feeling faint
• Trembling
• Tingling in hands and feet

In people with diabetes, hypoglycaemic symptoms might also include:

• Headache
• Nausea
• Palpitations (rapid heartbeat)
• Confusion, muddled feeling suggesting drunkenness
• Unconsciousness, coma, or convulsions

Causes

Hypoglycaemia is caused when there is an abnormally low level of glucose in the blood. This is normally due to the over-secretion of insulin by the pancreas.

The role of insulin is to transport glucose from the bloodstream into the cells (especially the fat cells and muscle cells), and to initiate glucose production in the liver. When the pancreas secretes too much insulin, too much sugar is removed from the bloodstream and the blood sugar becomes low.

Symptoms occur when there is not enough sugar circulating in the bloodstream for the body to draw on to meet its energy requirements.

Hypoglycaemia is particularly of concern for people with diabetes, where insulin production by the pancreas is defective. Without insulin, the glucose circulating in the bloodstream cannot be absorbed into the body tissues for energy. It is common for people with diabetes to experience both hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) and hyperglycaemia (high blood sugar levels).

The principal cause of hypoglycaemia is the modern diet which includes high quantities of simple carbohydrates such as sugar, alcohol and refined flour products, and low amounts of fruits and vegetables, and whole-grain foods.

Foods high in simple carbohydrates are easily broken down into glucose by the body, causing the pancreas to abruptly increase the body’s insulin levels, which moves the glucose out of the bloodstream and into the cells. Several hours later, the blood sugar levels will be relatively low, causing the energy slump and associated symptoms known as reactive hypoglycaemia.

By contrast, if we eat foods rich in complex carbohydrates (such as vegetables, whole grain bread, pasta and brown rice), the transport of glucose from the bloodstream into the cells occurs at a slower and more steady rate, and the hypoglycaemia is avoided.

Hypoglycaemia can also be brought on by other factors including:

• Missed meals
• Stomach surgery
• Some types of cancer and liver disease
• Allergic reactions to food or drugs
• High fever
• Pre-menstrual syndrome

Natural Therapies

If you have diabetes seek the advice of your healthcare professional before adding natural remedies to your treatment plan.

• Chromium helps the body to use glucose effectively, and supplementation can help to relieve the symptoms of hypoglycaemia, including sugar cravings; for best results use a chromium supplement that also contains magnesium and zinc
• Licorice root can help to relieve symptoms of tiredness associated with hypoglycaemia (Licorice should not be taken for long periods of time unless under professional supervision)

Lifestyle Factors

Having a good breakfast will make it easier for your body to balance blood sugar levels throughout the day. Try to combine a small portion of protein with complex carbohydrates – for example unsweetened muesli and yoghurt, or whole grain toast and egg.

Eat small frequent meals throughout the day made up of whole grain foods and low fat protein (such as almonds, fish, and low fat dairy products).

Strictly avoid sugar in all its forms until you have your hypoglycaemia under control. In addition to the sugar found in soft drinks, sweets and biscuits, hidden sources of sugar include alcohol and breakfast cereals. (Hint: When reading labels, look for words ending in -ose, such as glucose, maltose, lactose as these are all forms of sugar).

Avoid stimulants such as caffeine and cigarettes, which can add to hypoglycaemic symptoms by creating large swings in your blood sugar levels.

Remedy

A good diet can prevent hypoglycaemia. Eat a high-fibre diet rich in fruits and vegetables and other complex carbohydrates, and ensure that you are eating a small portion of protein every day. Don’t forget to eat breakfast!

Avoiding sugar, alcohol, cigarettes and caffeine will help keep your blood sugar levels stable.

Regular exercise improves many aspects of glucose metabolism including enhancing insulin sensitivity and improving glucose tolerance in existing diabetics. However, exercising when your blood sugar levels are low (for example first thing in the morning before breakfast) may induce hypoglycaemia – if possible have something to eat an hour or so before training.

Important Notes

Although it is not recommended on a regular basis, an attack of hypoglycaemia can be prevented by eating a glucose-containing food or tablet. It is best to have some protein at the same time, to slow the absorption of the sugar into the bloodstream and reduce the blood sugar fluctuation.

If you are experiencing such hypoglycaemic episodes on a regular basis, consult your healthcare professional, regardless of whether or not you are diabetic.

Source: www.blackmores.com.au